Vehicle Steering Gearbox Alignment for Uniform Belt Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical vehicle steering systems face complexity in ensuring a uniform steering feel in series production due to manufacturing tolerances and the need for precise belt pretensioning, particularly when using helically toothed belts.
Innovation Solution
The system supports the drop arm via a guide bush that is adjustable radially within the housing, allowing for compensation of manufacturing tolerances and enabling the use of both straight-toothed and helically toothed belts without pre-tensioning, with the electric motor positioned non-adjustably to simplify assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the toothed rack is tilted to tension the toothed belt, then the belt pretensioning force can be set, but distortions occur due to the tilting action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable bearing as an intermediary component between the toothed rack and the housing. This bearing allows the toothed rack to be positioned and tensioned without direct tilting actions that would cause distortions. The bearing acts as a mediator that enables precise positioning while maintaining structural integrity and avoiding harmful tilting effects.
2Manufacturing precision
If the bearing unit position is adjusted to compensate for belt tolerances, then high setting accuracy is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable bearing that can be positioned at different locations along the toothed rack. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the belt and other components. The bearing can be moved to optimal positions during assembly and operation, achieving high setting accuracy without requiring overly complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If the electric motor position is made adjustable to simplify assembly, then ease of manufacture improves, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the adjustable bearing as an intermediary that decouples the motor positioning requirement from the overall system complexity. By allowing the bearing (and consequently the motor mounting position) to be adjusted independently, the system simplifies assembly procedures. The bearing absorbs the complexity of positioning adjustments, enabling easier motor installation without requiring complex integrated positioning mechanisms.
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 approach simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and ensures a uniform steering feel by compensating for distortions in the gearbox mechanism, allowing for flexible belt tensioning and eliminating the need for complex eccentric mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a gearbox mechanism via which the electric motor is drivably coupled to the drop arm for the purpose of translating a rotational movement of the electric motor into a linear movement of the drop arm, the gearbox mechanism comprising a toothed belt drive and a ball screw drive
Implementation Method 2
the gearbox mechanism comprising a toothed belt drive and a ball screw drive
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical vehicle steering system comprising a housing, an electric motor having an axis of rotation, and a drop arm. The drop arm is axially movable in the direction of a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis extends in parallel with the axis of rotation of the electric motor. A gearbox couples the electric motor to the drop arm to translate a rotational movement of the electric motor into a linear movement of the drop arm. The gearbox comprises a toothed belt drive and a ball screw drive. A ball screw nut of the ball screw drive is in engagement with the drop arm and supports the drop arm. A toothed belt is tensioned by the adjustable bearing. The drop arm is also supported in the housing by a guide bush. The position of the guide bush can be adjusted in the housing radially to the drop arm.