Steering Column Rail Layout for Front-Rear Motion and Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering devices lack sufficient rigidity to stably support a steering wheel, particularly when subjected to loads in the up-down direction, which can lead to instability.
Innovation Solution
A steering device with a movable body supported by first and second rail mechanisms, each featuring rolling element rows with different contact angles, ensuring stable movement and support of the steering member in the front-rear direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is supported by a housing via a column shaft and the housing is supported by two rails situated to the side of the housing, then the steering wheel can move in the front-rear direction, but the supporting rigidity is insufficient when loads are applied in the up-down direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-rail side support configuration to a dual-rail front-rear support configuration. The first and second rails are positioned at the front and rear of the housing respectively, creating a dimensional change in the support architecture that provides better load distribution and rigidity while maintaining movability through the rail-guided sliding mechanism
2Device complexity
If a single rail mechanism is used to support the housing, then the structure is simple, but the rigidity and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into two independent rail mechanisms positioned at different locations (front and rear) of the housing. Each rail mechanism independently supports the housing, and together they provide enhanced stability and rigidity compared to a single rail system, while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
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 device provides stable support for the steering member while allowing expansion of space in front of the driver by enabling smooth and stable movement of the steering wheel.
Implementation Method 1
a first rolling element row that is disposed between the first raceway face and the second raceway face, the first rolling element row including a plurality of first rolling elements that are capable of rolling
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device includes a movable body that rotatably supports a shaft member to which a steering member is attached, and first and second rail mechanisms that guide movement of the movable body in a front-rear direction. The first rail mechanism has a first rolling element row that is disposed between a first raceway face of a first fixed rail and a second raceway face of a first moving rail. The second rail mechanism has a second rolling element row that is between a third raceway face of a second fixed rail and a fourth raceway face of a second moving rail. A contact angle of each of a plurality of first rolling elements with respect to the first and second raceway faces, and the contact angle of each of a plurality of second rolling elements with respect to the third and fourth raceway faces are different from each other.