Steering Apparatus Pivotable Housing Link Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering apparatuses for vehicles with adjustable steering wheel positions have complex configurations, requiring many parts and increased assembly workload, leading to higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified steering apparatus design featuring a pivotable main housing, a movable column member, a link mechanism, and a drive mechanism with a threaded shaft and nut member, allowing for easy assembly with fewer parts, and a motor positioned to avoid occupant interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional connecting structure with pivot screws is used to connect the drive mechanism and link mechanism, then the connection is reliable, but the number of parts increases and assembly workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pivot screw and link member into an integrated structure where the link member itself serves as the pivot connection element. The link member includes a pivot hole that directly receives the pivot shaft, eliminating the need for separate pivot screws. This merging of components reduces the total part count while maintaining the rotational connection function between the drive mechanism and link mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The link member is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the connecting element and the pivot axis support. The link member includes both the pivot hole for rotational movement and the connection interfaces for attaching to other components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional connecting structure with multiple parts is used, then the connection is stable, but the assembly workload increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pivot screw function into the link member structure itself. The link member includes an integrated pivot hole that directly accommodates the pivot shaft, eliminating the need for separate pivot screws and reducing assembly steps. This integration maintains connection stability while significantly reducing assembly workload.
Solution Approach 2:
The link member is segmented into functional zones: a pivot hole region for rotational movement, connection regions for attaching to the drive mechanism and steering column, and structural support portions. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the need for additional connecting components.
3Volume of moving object
If the motor is positioned closer to the center, then the structure is compact, but the motor may contact vehicle occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the motor in a direction perpendicular to the main steering column axis, extending laterally outward from the steering column. This dimensional repositioning places the motor in a space that does not interfere with the steering wheel rotation or occupy space in the driver's knee area, thereby avoiding contact with vehicle occupants while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor mounting structure includes flexible mounting elements or adjustable positioning features that allow the motor to be positioned optimally relative to both the steering column and the driver's space. This dynamic positioning capability ensures the motor remains compact while maintaining safe clearance from occupants during steering operations.
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
The design reduces assembly complexity and cost by using fewer parts while ensuring smooth operation and adjustment of the steering wheel's up-down position, with the motor placement minimizing contact with vehicle occupants.
Implementation Method 1
a nut member moving in an axial direction of the threaded shaft in response to rotation of the threaded shaft, the nut member includes a female threaded portion threadedly engaged with the threaded shaft
Implementation Method 2
a main housing 10 including a first end portion and a second end portion, and supported in a manner the main housing 10 is pivotable relative to a vehicle body 100 about a pivoting center C at the first end portion
Implementation Method 3
the link mechanism includes a bearing portion provided at the second end portion of the link mechanism and including a bearing hole rotatably supporting the pivot shaft portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A steering apparatus for a vehicle provided with a steering wheel includes a main housing (10), a movable column member (20), a fixing bracket (30) fixing the main housing to a vehicle body (100), a link mechanism (4), and a drive mechanism (5) connected to the link mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism includes a motor (60), a threaded shaft (62), and a nut member (50) moving in an axial direction of the threaded shaft, the nut member includes a female threaded portion (51) threadedly engaged with the threaded shaft and a pivot shaft portion (52) including a rotational axis (P4) orthogonal to an axis of the female threaded portion and including two flat surface portions (52a, 52b) being parallel to the rotational axis and facing each other while leaving a predetermined distance (d) therebetween, and the link mechanism includes a bearing portion (423, 424) including a bearing hole (42a) and a cut-out portion (42b) including two flat surfaces configured to be parallel to the two flat surface portions.