Steering Gear Positioning via Longitudinal Adjusting Pins
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning and fastening steering gears on motor vehicle bodies are imprecise due to sensitive tolerances in the z-direction and cumulative tolerances from multiple parts, requiring precise screw point processing.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a subframe with adjusting pins aligned in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and contact surfaces on the steering gear for precise positioning in the vertical and transverse directions, allowing for easy and precise fastening without the need for precise mechanical processing of the bolting surface, using screw connections in the longitudinal direction to minimize harmful tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steering gears are screwed to the vehicle body in the vertical direction (z-direction), then the steering gear can be fastened to the vehicle body, but the z-position at the connection points requires very small tolerances and precise processing of screw points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fastening direction from the vertical z-direction to the longitudinal x-direction by using adjusting pins that extend in the x-direction and screw connections aligned in the x-direction. This dimensional change allows tolerances to accumulate in the x-direction rather than affecting the critical z-position of the steering gear, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting pins serve as intermediary elements that mediate between the subframe and the steering gear. These pins provide precise positioning in the z-direction through their alignment in the x-direction, while the screw connections handle the fastening function. This intermediary approach separates the positioning function from the fastening function, allowing each to be optimized independently
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are used in the steering gear, then the steering gear can be assembled from modular components, but cumulative tolerances from many parts reduce positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the adjusting pins and screw connections in the longitudinal x-direction rather than the vertical z-direction, the patent directs cumulative tolerances into a non-critical dimension. The x-direction tolerances do not affect the z-position of the tie rod bearings, allowing modular assembly while maintaining positioning precision in the critical vertical direction
3Strength
If screw connections are used to fasten the steering gear, then the steering gear can be securely attached to the subframe, but mechanical processing of the bolting surface on the subframe is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent orients the screw connections in the longitudinal x-direction of the vehicle, which allows the use of simpler, less precisely processed holes in the subframe. This directional change reduces the manufacturing complexity of the bolting surfaces while maintaining secure fastening, as the critical positioning is provided by the adjusting pins rather than the screw holes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device has an auxiliary frame (14) mounted on a vehicle body. A screw connection (12) is aligned in a vehicle longitudinal direction (FL) and the two adjusting pins are provided, which are connected with the auxiliary frame such that the adjusting pins are aligned in the vehicle longitudinal direction in a mounted condition. The contact surfaces are formed at a steering gear. A position of the steering gear is fixed in a vehicle vertical direction (FH) and a vehicle transverse direction (FQ).