Steering Sensor Pin Assembly With Flat Face And Axle Slot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering sensor pin assemblies are prone to lubricant leaks and require time-consuming calibration due to their threaded design, which complicates the manufacturing and replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
A steering sensor pin assembly featuring a slot in the axle beam instead of a threaded hole, with a flat-faced steering sensor pin that couples to the axle via a slot, eliminating the need for a locking nut and allowing for easier calibration by ensuring only one correct orientation for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded steering sensor pin is used to couple the kingpin to the axle beam, then the assembly provides secure mechanical connection, but it is susceptible to lubricant leaks through the threaded through-hole
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the threading feature from the axle beam, eliminating the threaded through-hole that causes lubricant leaks. Instead, a simple through-hole is used with a separate locking mechanism (cotter pin or snap ring) that does not compromise the sealing of the lubricant chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary locking component (cotter pin or snap ring) that mediates between the need for secure mechanical connection and the need to prevent lubricant leaks. This intermediary element provides the locking function without requiring threads that would compromise the seal.
2Reliability
If a threaded steering sensor pin with locking nut is used, then secure fastening is achieved, but the calibration procedure becomes time-consuming due to the need for continual re-adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The steering sensor pin is pre-manufactured with a specific orientation feature (flat face or keyway) that aligns with the slot in the axle beam. This preliminary orientation feature ensures that when the pin is installed, it is automatically positioned in the correct orientation, eliminating the need for time-consuming calibration adjustments during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces asymmetry through the flat face or keyway feature on the steering sensor pin and the corresponding slot orientation in the axle beam. This asymmetric design ensures that the pin can only be installed in one correct orientation, preventing the need for continual re-adjustment during calibration.
3Reliability
If a threaded steering sensor pin assembly is used, then secure coupling is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the threading feature from the axle beam, simplifying the overall assembly structure. By removing the threaded through-hole and replacing it with a simple through-hole and a separate locking component, the design reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining coupling security.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the locking function from the coupling function. The steering sensor pin provides the coupling function, while a separate locking component (cotter pin or snap ring) provides the security function. This segmentation simplifies the main pin design and allows for easier manufacturing and assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural vehicle including a front axle assembly having an axle beam with a slot, a wheel assembly including a steering knuckle coupled to a wheel flange assembly, and a steering sensor pin assembly is provided. The steering sensor pin assembly includes a steering sensor pin having a first end and a second end opposite the first end having a flat face, and a kingpin connected to the steering knuckle. The kingpin has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a hole from the top surface to the bottom surface. The hole is aligned with the slot in the axle beam, and the steering sensor pin is positioned in the hole for coupling the kingpin to the axle beam via the flat face of the steering sensor pin being coupled to the slot.