Steering Gear Bearing Block for Torque Support and Rod Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering gears in steer-by-wire systems face challenges with torque support and deflection of steering rods due to the angle of tie rods relative to the steering axis, leading to inefficiencies and potential mechanical issues.
Innovation Solution
A steering gear design featuring a non-rotatable steering shaft with a bearing block and sliding elements, supported by spring elements, which ensures optimized torque support and compensation for deflections, enhancing force transmission and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tie rods are positioned at an angle to the steering rod axis, then the steering gear can accommodate standard steering linkages, but this causes deflections of the steering rod when steering forces and shocks are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary bearing block with sliding elements between the steering rod and the gear element. This bearing block acts as a mediator that absorbs and compensates for angular misalignments and deflections caused by the angled tie rod configuration, allowing the steering rod to remain stable while still accommodating standard steering linkages
2Power
If a gear element exerts additional torque on the steering shaft, then the steering gear can provide mechanical advantage, but this torque must be supported against the gear housing which creates design challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque support function from the gear housing and relocates it to a dedicated bearing block mounted on the steering rod. This separation allows the gear element to provide mechanical advantage through torque multiplication while the bearing block independently handles the torque support, simplifying the overall design
3Stability of the object's composition
If the steering shaft is constrained at multiple bearing points, then the steering gear provides stable support, but this may overconstrain the shaft and hinder its natural deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic sliding elements with spring preload instead of rigid fixed bearings. These sliding elements provide stable support through friction and spring force while allowing controlled deflection and movement, enabling the steering shaft to adapt to operational forces without overconstraint
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design provides improved torque support and force distribution, reducing deflection and mechanical noise, while ensuring efficient and safe steering operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first sliding element (9) bears against a first sliding surface (10) of the guide element (8) and a second sliding element (11) bears against a second sliding surface (12) of the guide element (8)
Implementation Method 2
The first sliding element (9) can be spring-loaded in the direction of the first sliding surface (10) by means of a first spring element (13) and/or the second sliding element (11) can be spring-loaded in the direction of the second sliding surface (12) by means of a second spring element (13)
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a steering gear for a motor vehicle including a linearly displaceable steering shaft arranged in a non-rotatable manner and mounted on a first bearing point, and a second bearing point spaced apart in a longitudinal extension of the steering shaft. The steering shaft is in engagement with a rotatable gear element so that a rotation of the gear element affects a linear displacement of the steering shaft. A bearing block is fixed to the steering shaft between the first bearing point and the second bearing point, which extends radially outwards from a lateral surface of the steering shaft and engages in a guide element that is stationary relative to the steering shaft. A first sliding element bears against a first sliding surface of the guide element and a second sliding element bears against a second sliding surface of the guide element opposite the first sliding surface.