Steering Rack Stopper With Compression Damping Against Tie Rod Buckling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems are prone to damage, particularly the tie rod, when the steerable wheel reaches a maximum steering angle due to impacts, leading to buckling and persistent damage.
Innovation Solution
A steering system incorporating a wheel support with a curved member and a compressible stopper between the tie rod and steering rack, which absorbs and dampens forces to prevent the tie rod from buckling by compressing as the wheel approaches and exceeds the maximum steering angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel is allowed to turn freely past the maximum steering angle, then the steering system has greater operational flexibility, but the tie rod may buckle and cause persistent damage to the steering system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning a curved member on the wheel support and a compressible stopper on the steering rack before any impact occurs. These components are pre-configured to contact and compress when the wheel reaches maximum steering angle, absorbing impact forces before they can transmit to the tie rod and cause buckling damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing the curved member and compressible stopper as intermediate components between the wheel/tie rod system. When the wheel turns past maximum angle, these intermediaries contact first, compress, and absorb the harmful forces, preventing direct transmission of impact to the tie rod while still allowing the steering mechanism to function.
2Reliability
If the tie rod is designed with higher strength to prevent buckling, then the steering system reliability improves, but the weight of suspension components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved member and compressible stopper provide beforehand cushioning that absorbs impact forces before they reach the tie rod. This protective mechanism allows the tie rod to be designed with lower strength and weight specifications, as the pre-positioned cushioning components will prevent buckling conditions from occurring in the first place.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the curved member and compressible stopper as intermediary protective elements, the patent enables the tie rod to operate under normal conditions without requiring excessive strength. The intermediaries handle the extreme impact scenarios, allowing the tie rod to be optimized for weight while maintaining reliability through the protective intermediary system.
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 system effectively reduces the likelihood of tie rod buckling and decreases the weight or strength requirements of suspension components, preventing damage and maintaining system integrity during maximum steering angle impacts.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible stopper coupled between the tie rod and the steering rack. The stopper may be configured to compress as the wheel is turned toward the maximum steering angle and when the tie rod is moved past the maximum steering angle
Implementation Method 2
A steering system incorporating a wheel support with a curved member and a compressible stopper between the tie rod and steering rack, which absorbs and dampens forces to prevent the tie rod from buckling
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a steering system for a vehicle. The steering system includes a wheel having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a tire mounted thereon. The steering system includes a wheel support including an upper arm and a lower arm that rotatably support the wheel. At least one of the upper arm and the lower arm includes a curved member positioned to contact the inner surface of the wheel when the wheel is at a maximum steering angle. The steering system includes a steering rack and a tie rod coupled between the steering rack and the wheel support. The steering system also includes a compressible stopper coupled between the tie rod and the steering rack. The stopper is configured to compress as the wheel is turned toward the maximum steering angle and when the tie rod is moved past the maximum steering angle.