Vehicle Steering Gear Layout for Compact High-Reduction Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering systems face challenges in packaging efficiency and versatility, often requiring cantilevered placement and limited in achieving high gear-reduction ratios, which can compromise their secure integration within vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus with a vertically stacked configuration of components, including a first pinion, internal gear, second pinion, first gear, and steering rack, where a motor is mechanically isolated from the steering wheel, allowing for flexible placement and high gear-reduction ratios without the need for cantilevered installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional steering systems use traditional packaging arrangements, then installation is simpler, but packaging efficiency is poor and high gear-reduction ratios cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional horizontal arrangement of steering components to a vertical stacked configuration. The pinion, internal gear, and steering rack are arranged vertically, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve compact packaging while maintaining functional relationships. This dimensional change enables high gear-reduction ratios without increasing overall footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the pinion is positioned within the internal gear structure, and the steering rack engages with both components in a compact vertical stack. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping spatial envelopes, maximizing packaging efficiency.
2Reliability
If steering systems require cantilevered placement, then installation flexibility is reduced, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging components vertically rather than horizontally in a cantilevered fashion, the patent achieves secure integration through gravitational stability and compact stacking. The vertical arrangement eliminates the need for cantilevered mounting while providing multiple potential installation positions within the vehicle's vertical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertically stacked configuration creates a self-contained steering module that can be installed in various locations within the vehicle's vertical envelope. The modular design with standardized mounting interfaces enables versatile placement options while maintaining structural integrity through the compact vertical arrangement.
3Power
If gear-reduction ratios are increased, then steering torque is improved, but system complexity and packaging difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high gear-reduction ratios by nesting the pinion within the internal gear structure, where the pinion teeth engage with the internal gear teeth in a compact vertical arrangement. This nested configuration provides mechanical advantage for high torque multiplication without requiring multiple separate gear stages or complex differential mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical stacking of the pinion, internal gear, and steering rack creates a compact gear train that achieves high reduction ratios within a small vertical envelope. The dimensional arrangement allows for efficient torque transmission through the vertical stack, providing high steering torque without increasing horizontal footprint or overall system complexity.
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
This configuration enhances packaging efficiency, provides versatility in placement, and enables the achievement of high gear-reduction ratios, leading to a more secure and effective steering system within vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A steering apparatus includes a first pinion, an internal gear engaged with the first pinion, a second pinion fixed relative to the internal gear, a first gear engaged with the second pinion
Implementation Method 2
a steering rack meshed with the third pinion
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle steering systems are disclosed. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a first gear, a first pinion engaged with the first gear, a second pinion fixed to the first gear, a second gear engaged with the second pinion, and a third pinion fixed to the second gear, the third pinion to engage with a steering rack of a vehicle.