Steering Pinion Sensor Mounting for Reliable Worm Wheel Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering apparatuses face challenges in easily installing sensors, particularly torque and angle sensors, which need to be fixed to detect the rotation of the worm wheel and pinion gear without rotating, complicating the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A pinion sensor structure with a housing cover and sensing unit, featuring a coupling part and fixing slot design, allows for easy installation and fixation of the sensor by using boss parts and slot surfaces to align and secure the sensor to the housing cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is fixed to the output shaft, then the sensor can detect the rotation of the worm wheel, but the sensor may rotate or become damaged during installation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the housing cover as an intermediary component between the sensor and the output shaft. The sensor is fixed to the housing cover instead of directly to the rotating output shaft, while the housing cover itself rotates with the output shaft. This intermediary structure protects the sensor from rotation damage during installation and operation, while still enabling accurate detection of worm wheel rotation through the rotating housing cover.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is disposed to face the worm wheel, then the sensor can detect rotation accurately, but the sensor requires precise positioning and secure fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor mounting function with the housing cover structure. The housing cover serves dual purposes: it protects the internal components (worm wheel and output shaft) and simultaneously provides the mounting surface for the sensor. The coupling part of the sensor integrates directly with the housing cover, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets or complex fixation mechanisms, thus achieving precise positioning without excessive structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a pinion sensor structure of a steering apparatus including a housing including a first accommodating part having an open one side surface and configured to accommodate a worm wheel and a second accommodating part configured to communicate with the first accommodating part and accommodate a worm shaft engaged with the worm wheel, a sensing unit disposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from the worm wheel to face the worm wheel, and a housing cover coupled to the one side surface of the first accommodating part, wherein the sensing unit may be fixed to the housing cover.