Steering Shaft Bearing Unit Segmented Fastening Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering spindle bearing units for motor vehicle steering columns require expensive and labor-intensive expansion of casing plates for fastening, leading to weakened structures and increased technical effort.
Innovation Solution
A steering spindle bearing unit composed of separately manufactured and interconnected components, where the fastening area and circumferentially closed areas are connected via welding, allowing for cost-effective production while maintaining high rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the casing plate is expanded in the fastening area to provide fastening surfaces, then the fastening capability is improved, but the jacket sheet is thinned and weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing unit is divided into separate components: a bearing shell and a fastening bracket. The fastening bracket is attached to the bearing shell, providing the necessary fastening surfaces without requiring expansion of the bearing shell itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
A fastening bracket serves as an intermediary component between the bearing shell and the mounting surface. The bracket provides the fastening capability while the bearing shell remains thin and strong. The bracket acts as a mediator that transfers mounting forces without compromising the bearing shell integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the casing plate is expanded in the fastening area, then the fastening capability is improved, but the technical effort and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing unit is divided into separate components: a bearing shell and a fastening bracket. The fastening bracket is attached to the bearing shell, providing the necessary fastening surfaces without requiring expansion of the bearing shell itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening bracket is pre-formed with the necessary fastening features (through-openings, mounting surfaces) before assembly. This preliminary preparation of the fastening capability eliminates the need for complex expansion operations on the bearing shell during production.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for fastening area and circumferentially closed area, then production cost and technical effort are reduced, but structural rigidity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening bracket and bearing shell are combined into a single assembled unit where the bracket is securely attached to the shell (by welding or other connection methods). This merging of separate components maintains structural rigidity while allowing cost-effective production of individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing shell maintains its circumferentially closed, curved structure which provides inherent rigidity. The fastening bracket is designed to work with this curved geometry, and their combination creates a rigid assembled structure suitable for mounting applications.
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 solution enables the production of a steering spindle bearing unit that is both economical and meets high rigidity requirements, reducing production costs and technical effort while ensuring structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The fastening area and the circumferentially closed areas are connected to one another, especially by welding
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Disclosed is a steering shaft bearing unit (1) for rotatably mounting a steering shaft (2) of a steering column (3) for a motor vehicle. Said steering shaft bearing unit (1) includes at least one circumferentially closed region (5) for accommodating at least one bearing for rotatably mounting the steering shaft (2) as well as at least one securing region (6) for securing the steering shaft bearing unit (1) to a console part (7) of the steering column (3). At least one through-hole (12), in particular two through-holes (12), for guiding a clamping bolt (13) of the steering column (3) therethrough is/are arranged in the securing region (6). The securing region (6) and the circumferentially closed region (5) are designed as separate parts that are then preferably directly interconnected, preferably welded together.