Steering Shaft Torsion Restoring Structure for Easier Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional torsion bars in vehicle steering apparatuses face challenges in manufacturing, assembly, and cost increases due to the need for different lengths and tuning of stiffness, affecting productivity and assemblability.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering apparatus with an input shaft, output shaft, and a torsion restoring member that is elastically deformable, replacing traditional torsion bars, and includes a rotational support member to support the output shaft's rotation, minimizing cost and improving assembly efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional torsion bars are used with different lengths for different vehicle types, then the steering performance can be optimized for each vehicle, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized torsion bar structure that can be used across different vehicle types. The torsion bar is configured with a uniform outer diameter and standardized connection interfaces, allowing it to serve multiple vehicle models without modification. This eliminates the need to manufacture different length variants while maintaining steering performance through proper positioning and support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from varying torsion bar length to varying torsion bar positioning and support conditions. By adjusting the installation position, support location, and rotational support configuration rather than the physical dimensions of the torsion bar itself, the system achieves vehicle-specific tuning without manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional torsion bars require pin-fixing to input and output shafts, then the connection is secure, but assembly processes become complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the torsion bar directly with the input shaft and output shaft through integrated connection structures. The torsion bar is positioned within recesses of the shafts and secured through combined structural features rather than separate pin-fixing operations. This integration maintains secure mechanical connection while eliminating discrete assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the pin-fixing operation from the assembly process by designing self-aligning and self-securing connection features. The torsion bar connections are designed to engage automatically during assembly without requiring separate fastening operations, removing the problematic step while preserving connection reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If torsion bars of different lengths are manufactured for different vehicle types, then specific steering characteristics can be achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a single torsion bar design that can be used across all vehicle types. The standardized torsion bar with consistent outer diameter and structural features eliminates the need for multiple SKUs and reduces manufacturing setup changes, directly lowering production costs while maintaining the ability to achieve different steering characteristics through positioning and support variations.
4Ease of operation
If torsion bar stiffness needs to be tuned for different applications, then steering feel can be optimized, but manufacturing and assembly become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the tuning approach from modifying torsion bar physical properties (length, diameter, material) to adjusting installation parameters (position, support location, rotational constraints). This allows steering feel optimization through simple repositioning and configuration rather than complex manufacturing variations, reducing device complexity while maintaining tuning capability.
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
This design reduces costs and enhances assembly by replacing and standardizing torsion bars, ensuring efficient and cost-effective production.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion restoring member coupled between the inner surface of the insertion portion of the input shaft and the one end of the output shaft, and configured to be elastically deformable in response to rotation of the input shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle steering apparatus comprises an input shaft, an output shaft, and a torsion restoring member. The input shaft includes an insertion portion on the bottom end, the insertion portion having a space axially defined therein, and is coupled at the top end to a steering shaft to transmit a steering rotational force. The output shaft is coupled at the top end to the insertion portion and at the bottom end to a rack bar to transmit the steering rotational force to the rack bar. The torsion restoring member is coupled between the inner surface of the insertion portion and the top end of the output shaft to elastically deform upon rotation of the input shaft.