Steering Column Housing Alignment Without Centering Work
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electric power steering system in JP 2013-71590 A faces issues with securing coaxiality between the first housing member and the steering column, necessitating troublesome centering work during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A steering device with a cylindrical support tube and housing that includes engagement portions with regulation portions on the flange and cylindrical portion, allowing for coaxial alignment without the need for centering work, and reducing the size and interference of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a steering device is integrated into an exercise bicycle, then the exercise bicycle becomes more versatile and engaging for users, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steering device with the exercise bicycle by integrating the steering handlebar into the bicycle's handlebar structure. The steering mechanism shares the same spatial framework and control interface, merging two functions (steering and exercise) into a unified device that reduces overall complexity despite adding versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The exercise bicycle's handlebar serves dual purposes: it provides the structural framework for the steering mechanism and simultaneously functions as the exercise resistance mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a steering mechanism with multiple components (steering wheel, connection elements, resistance mechanism) is implemented, then the steering functionality and user engagement are improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism is divided into distinct modular components including the steering wheel, first connection element, second connection element, and resistance mechanism. Each component can be manufactured separately using standard machining processes, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining full steering functionality through standardized interfaces and assembly procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering device includes a cylindrical support tube (17), a speed reducer (20), and a housing (18). The support tube (17) includes a flange (31), and supports a steering shaft (2) such that the steering shaft (2) is rotatable. The speed reducer (20) applies torque to the steering shaft (2). The housing (18) includes a cylindrical portion (41) that houses the speed reducer (20). The flange (31) and the cylindrical portion (41) are disposed coaxially, and coupled to each other by a bolt (30). The flange (31) and the cylindrical portion (41) include an engagement portion, at which the flange (31) and the cylindrical portion (41) are engaged with each other in a radial direction of the flange (31), at a different location from a location at which the bolt (30) is provided.