Steering Housing Mounting Brackets Reduce Torsional Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering apparatus for automobiles experiences performance degradation due to torsional forces caused by thermal deformation of the cross member, leading to increased friction and compromised steering precision, especially when the mounting positions are not accurately aligned.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a steering apparatus with a steering housing and integrally formed mounting brackets that reduce torsional forces by coupling the housing to lower arms, ensuring smooth operation of the steering drive unit. The housing is made of aluminum for structural integrity, while the brackets are made of steel for cost-effectiveness, with coupling mechanisms that minimize movement and enhance alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cross member is manufactured by pressing process and welded, then the structure can be assembled, but thermal deformation occurs causing mounting position distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cross member into multiple separate components: a body member and multiple mounting members. These components are connected through fastening structures rather than welding, eliminating thermal deformation. Each mounting member can be independently positioned and secured to the body member at precise locations, ensuring accurate mounting positions without the distortion caused by welding thermal effects.
2Ease of operation
If mounting positions are not accurately aligned, then assembly is easier, but torsional force is applied to the steering apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting members are pre-positioned and pre-fastened to the body member at precisely designed locations before the steering apparatus is assembled. This preliminary alignment ensures that when the steering apparatus is installed, the mounting positions are already accurately aligned, preventing torsional forces from being applied during operation. The fastening structures are designed to maintain precise positioning without requiring complex alignment procedures during final assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If high-precision processing is applied to the steering apparatus, then steering performance is improved, but mounting position errors have greater adverse effects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces mounting members as intermediary components between the body member and the steering apparatus. These mounting members serve as precision reference elements that are accurately positioned and fastened to the body member. The steering apparatus then connects to these pre-positioned mounting members, which act as stable reference points. This intermediary structure ensures that even with high-precision processing of the steering apparatus, the mounting positions remain accurately aligned, preventing torsional forces and maintaining both precision and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering apparatus for an automobile according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a steering housing in which a steering drive unit, which moves a left tie rod and a right tie rod to the left and right sides, is disposed; a left mounting bracket which is coupled to a left side of the steering housing and coupled to a left lower arm; and a right mounting bracket which is coupled to a right side of the steering housing and coupled to a right lower arm.