Steering Shaft Support Structure Without Separate Fixing Members

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional steering shaft temporary support structures in vehicle assembly require separate fixing members, increasing assembly time and cost while adding weight to the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A steering shaft temporary support structure that uses a yoke-connected bulkhead and dust cover with locking protrusions and anti-rotation guides to support the steering shaft by its own weight, eliminating the need for a separate fixing member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate fixing member is used to temporarily fix the steering shaft, then the steering shaft can be securely fixed to the side member, but assembly time increases and vehicle weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the steering shaft with the bulkhead by integrating the locking protrusion directly into the bulkhead structure. The locking protrusion engages with the yoke of the steering shaft, eliminating the need for separate fixing members while maintaining secure temporary fixation during engine assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bulkhead is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural separation between passenger and engine compartments, and simultaneously acts as a fixing mechanism through its integrated locking protrusion that engages with the steering shaft yoke, eliminating the need for dedicated fixing components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate fixing member is used to temporarily fix the steering shaft, then the steering shaft can be securely fixed to the side member, but vehicle weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the steering shaft with the bulkhead by integrating the locking protrusion directly into the bulkhead structure. The locking protrusion engages with the yoke of the steering shaft, eliminating the need for separate fixing members while maintaining secure temporary fixation during engine assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bulkhead is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural separation between passenger and engine compartments, and simultaneously acts as a fixing mechanism through its integrated locking protrusion that engages with the steering shaft yoke, eliminating the need for dedicated fixing components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a separate fixing member is installed, then the steering shaft can be fixed, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the steering shaft with the bulkhead by integrating the locking protrusion directly into the bulkhead structure. The locking protrusion engages with the yoke of the steering shaft, eliminating the need for separate fixing members while maintaining secure temporary fixation during engine assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bulkhead is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural separation between passenger and engine compartments, and simultaneously acts as a fixing mechanism through its integrated locking protrusion that engages with the steering shaft yoke, eliminating the need for dedicated fixing components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11820420B2Steering shaft temporary support structure of vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A steering shaft temporary support structure of a vehicle is connected by a yoke, and includes: a bulkhead that is mounted on surfaces of a dash panel and a housing inside the vehicle, surrounds an engine compartment, and is formed with an opening into which a steering shaft is inserted; and a dust cover that forms an insert passage of the steering shaft to correspond to the opening of the bulkhead, wherein the bulkhead includes a locking protrusion in which an end portion of the yoke is supported so as to not be separated in a downward direction.