Compact Steering Gear Layout With Overlapping Reducer Stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric power steering systems are bulky due to the misalignment of the speed reducer and operating mechanism, leading to inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
The steering device is designed with a first gear mechanism that converts rotational direction and a second gear mechanism that decelerates, arranged to overlap each other along a common axial direction, incorporating a drive device that assists steering wheel operation, all within the width of the second gear mechanism, reducing the overall thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the speed reducer and operating mechanism are disposed such that their axial directions intersect, then the functional requirements are met, but the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operating mechanism and speed reducer into a integrated unit where the operating mechanism is positioned within the width of the speed reducer along the axial direction. This combining of functions into a single compact structure reduces the overall device volume while maintaining both operational functionality and speed reduction capabilities
2Ease of operation
If the first gear mechanism and second gear mechanism are arranged separately, then the functional requirements are met, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a sequential arrangement of gear mechanisms to an overlapping configuration where the first gear mechanism is positioned within the width of the second gear mechanism along the axial direction. This dimensional reorganization allows both mechanisms to occupy overlapping spatial zones, significantly reducing the overall thickness of the device
3Ease of operation
If the drive device is positioned outside the second gear mechanism, then the functional requirements are met, but the device becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the drive device is positioned within the width of the second gear mechanism along the axial direction. This nesting of components allows the drive device to utilize the same spatial envelope as the second gear mechanism, minimizing the overall device volume while ensuring both components can function independently
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
A steering device (10) according to one aspect of the invention includes: a first gear mechanism (11) configured to receive rotation of steering wheel operation, convert a direction of the rotation, and output converted rotation as primary rotation; and a second gear mechanism (20) configured to receive the primary rotation output from the first gear mechanism (11), decelerate the primary rotation, and output decelerated rotation. When a second axial direction (F2) is defined as an axial direction of an output shaft (25) included in the second gear mechanism (20), the first gear mechanism (11) is located such that at least a portion of the first gear mechanism (11) falls within a width (H2) of the second gear mechanism (20) along the second axial direction (F2).