Steering Shaft Serration Coupling to Eliminate Gap Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering devices lack a structure to prevent gaps between serrations of coupled shafts, leading to noise and deterioration of steering performance.
Innovation Solution
A steering device with a first shaft and a second shaft coupled via serrations and a bolt, where the serrations are designed to be tapered to compensate for axial and circumferential gaps, ensuring tight contact and reducing vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two shafts are circumferentially fastened via serrations, then the shafts can be connected and transmit torque, but gaps may occur between the serrations causing noise and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
A tapered bolt is introduced as an intermediary element between the two shafts. The bolt engages with tapered holes in both shafts and applies axial compression force that forces the serrated surfaces into tight contact, eliminating gaps and preventing vibration while maintaining the torque transmission function of the serrations
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt and holes are designed with tapered geometry rather than cylindrical. This parameter change in shape allows the fastening structure to progressively compress the shafts together, transforming the coupling from a loose fit with gaps to a tight fit that eliminates vibration and noise
2Device complexity
If a simple serration coupling is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but axial and circumferential gaps occur between shafts
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered bolt serves as a mediator that achieves precise alignment and gap elimination without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the shafts themselves. The taper geometry provides self-aligning characteristics that compensate for minor dimensional variations
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered geometry of the bolt and holes introduces a curved surface profile that enables progressive engagement and compression. This curved geometry helps distribute contact forces and achieves tight coupling with reasonable manufacturing tolerances
Data Source
AI summary
According to embodiments, it is possible to prevent vibration and gaps in a coupling structure between rotation shafts, thus allowing for reduction in noise, enhanced responsiveness, accurate steering, and a better straight driving performance.