Steering Apparatus Guide Bracket Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering apparatuses face challenges in maintaining the precise positioning of guide brackets with respect to vehicle-mounting brackets during assembly, leading to imprecise fitting and increased assembly time due to rotation issues centered around the guide pin.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a movement-preventing mechanism using engaging portions and capsules to secure the guide bracket in place, preventing rotation and movement before attachment to the vehicle body, ensuring accurate positioning and smooth assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the guide bracket is held to the vehicle-mounting bracket by only the guide pin before attaching to the vehicle body, then the guide bracket can be easily positioned, but the guide bracket rotates with respect to the vehicle-mounting bracket centering around the guide pin causing mounting position shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces capsules as intermediary components between the guide bracket and the vehicle-mounting bracket. These capsules receive the guide pin and prevent rotation of the guide bracket with respect to the vehicle-mounting bracket, while still allowing for easy positioning during assembly. The capsules act as a mediator that maintains precise mounting positions without compromising ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If the guide bracket is not secured to the vehicle-mounting bracket before attachment, then assembly is simpler, but the guide bracket position shifts due to vibrations and movements during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by securing the guide bracket to the vehicle-mounting bracket using capsules and guide pins before the actual attachment to the vehicle body. This preliminary securing prevents position shifts during transportation and assembly, while the simple structure of the capsules and pins keeps the overall device complexity low.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple engagement points are used to prevent guide bracket rotation, then positioning precision is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive capsules as the securing mechanism between the guide bracket and vehicle-mounting bracket. These capsules are easy to install and remove, providing precise positioning during assembly and transportation, but can be quickly replaced or adjusted if needed, thus maintaining high assembly productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
When the guide bracket 61 is fixed to the vehicle-mounting bracket 21 by the guide pin 71, the upper surfaces 24c, 24c of the capsules 24, 24 are in contact with the lower surfaces 61c, 61c of the flange portions 61b, 61b on the guide bracket 61, and the first engaging portions 64, 64 and the second engaging portions 65, 65 engage with the capsules 24, 24. As a result, even before fixing the vehicle-mounting bracket 21 and the guide bracket 61 to the vehicle body 41 by the bolt 22, the guide bracket 61 does not rotate with respect to the vehicle-mounting bracket 21 about the guide pin 71, or move in the forward and rearward direction, or in the vehicle body width direction.