Steering Device Impact Absorption via Intermediate Shaft Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering mechanisms face difficulties in achieving satisfactory impact absorption ability due to the increased number of joint points required, which makes it challenging to maintain an optimal distance between joints and absorb impact loads effectively in the vehicle longitudinal direction.
Innovation Solution
The steering apparatus configures a steering wheel coupled to a steering gear via a steering shaft, intermediate shaft, clutch input shaft, and clutch output shaft, where the tilt angle of the intermediate shaft is set to be larger than that of the clutch input shaft relative to the horizontal plane, and the center positions of the universal joint and tilt pivot are misaligned, allowing for increased length and absorption in the intermediate shaft, thereby enhancing impact absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of joint points using a universal joint is increased to accommodate system configuration or layout requirements, then the steering mechanism can be adapted to different configurations, but the distance between joints becomes insufficient and impact absorption ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate shaft is designed with a tilt angle relative to the horizontal plane when viewed from the vehicle transverse direction. This dynamic angular configuration allows the shaft to absorb impact loads through controlled deformation and movement, transforming the rigid connection into a more flexible, impact-absorbing joint that maintains adaptability while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the tilt angle parameter of the intermediate shaft, the system achieves both configuration adaptability and improved impact absorption. The specific tilt angle is optimized to balance the need for system layout flexibility with the requirement for sufficient distance between joints to absorb impact loads effectively
2Reliability
If the tilt angle of the intermediate shaft is increased relative to the clutch input shaft, then impact absorption ability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt angle configuration is applied locally to the intermediate shaft rather than to the entire steering mechanism. This localized modification to the intermediate shaft's angular position achieves improved impact absorption without requiring complex changes to the overall system architecture, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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 configuration improves the impact absorption ability of the steering apparatus by extending the impact absorption amount of the intermediate shaft and maintaining the relationship between tilt angles, ensuring effective absorption even at varying tilt positions, thus addressing the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
When an impact load in a vehicle longitudinal direction is input, it is possible to extend an impact absorption amount of the intermediate shaft 9 correspondingly
Data Source
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AI summary
To improve impact absorption ability of a steering apparatus. A steering wheel (1) is coupled to a steering gear (27) via a steering shaft (3), an intermediate shaft (9), a clutch input shaft (13), and a clutch output shaft (17). When viewed in a vehicle transverse direction, a tilt angle α of the clutch input shaft (13) relative to the horizontal plane is set to be smaller than a tilt angle P of the intermediate shaft (9) relative to the horizontal plane. A steering column (5) is supported by a vehicle body via a tilt pivot (41) for adjusting a tilt position. Even when the steering column (5) is located at any tilt position, the relationship of α<β is set to be maintained when viewed in the vehicle transverse direction. The center position of a universal joint (7) between the steering shaft (3) and the intermediate shaft (9) is misaligned with the center position of the tilt pivot (41) when viewed in the vehicle transverse direction.