Telescopic Steering Shaft Assembly With Roller-Guided Axial Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering assemblies face challenges in accommodating angular lash and axial adjustments between intermediate and upper/lower shaft assemblies, requiring innovative solutions for dynamic movement and installation variations.
Innovation Solution
A steering shaft assembly with a first member and a second member, featuring splines and a roller element assembly, allowing for axial adjustment and dynamic movement, with a shaft extending into the first member and a pinch yoke for coupling, and a roller element assembly to accommodate axial movement between the members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the intermediate steering shaft is made axially adjustable to accommodate installation variations, then the ease of installation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate steering shaft incorporates a telescopic structure with movable sections that allow axial adjustment during installation. The shaft can extend and retract along its longitudinal axis to accommodate variations in installation distance between the steering column and steering gear, while maintaining structural integrity through splined connections and retaining mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering shaft is divided into multiple segments or sections that can move independently relative to each other. The intermediate shaft includes a first section connected to the steering column and a second section connected to the steering gear, with telescopic mechanisms allowing relative axial movement between sections to accommodate installation variations.
2Reliability
If features are added to compensate for angular lash between shaft assemblies, then the operational stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional compensation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joints allow angular misalignment between shaft sections by changing the operational parameters of the connection. The cross-shaped intermediate member in the universal joint enables torque transmission while accommodating angular variations, compensating for lash without requiring complex active compensation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Universal joints serve as intermediary elements between shaft sections, providing a mechanism that accommodates angular misalignment and compensates for lash. The universal joint acts as a mediator that allows relative angular movement while maintaining continuous torque transmission, eliminating the need for direct rigid connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering shaft assembly accommodates dynamic movement between upper and lower shaft assemblies, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to maintain alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The steering shaft assembly incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities with telescopic sections that can extend and retract axially. This allows the assembly to adapt to different installation configurations and dynamic movement requirements while maintaining proper alignment through controlled mechanical mechanisms rather than relying solely on manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly provided with a steering shaft assembly includes a first member having a first member outer surface that extends between a first member first end and a first member second end along an axis. The steering shaft assembly also includes a second member having a second member inner surface that extends between a second member first end and a second member second end along the axis, the first member first end arranged to be received within the second member second end. The steering shaft assembly further includes roller element assembly disposed between the first member outer surface and the second member inner surface.