Recirculating Ball Steering Sliding Joint Separating Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional power steering systems with sector gears experience undesirable separating loads due to forces between connected components, which increase driver effort and system stress.
Innovation Solution
A recirculating ball power steering system incorporating an electric motor, ball screw, ball nut, sliding joint, and lever arm with sector gear teeth arrangement, which reduces separating loads by allowing sliding motion and pivoting to distribute torque effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a sector gear is used to transmit output torque, then torque transmission is achieved, but separating loads are generated that increase driver effort and system stress
Solution Approach 1:
A sliding joint is introduced as an intermediary component between the ball nut and the lever arm. This sliding joint allows the connection point to move along the lever arm, acting as a mediator that transforms the force transmission mechanism and eliminates the harmful separating loads while maintaining effective torque transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the ball nut and lever arm is made dynamic through the sliding joint, which allows the connection point to move relative to the lever arm. This dynamic connection enables the system to adapt to varying operational conditions and eliminates the rigid constraints that cause separating loads in traditional sector gear systems.
2Power
If a sector gear connection is used, then torque is transmitted to the output shaft, but additional load-resistant features are required to handle separating loads
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding joint serves as an intermediary that simplifies the force transmission path. By allowing the connection point to move along the lever arm, it eliminates the need for complex load-resistant features and additional components that would be required to handle separating loads in traditional sector gear systems.
3Ease of operation
If traditional hydraulic power steering is used, then steering assist is provided, but separating loads increase driver effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hydraulic power steering mechanism with an electric motor-driven ball screw system. This mechanical substitution, combined with the sliding joint, provides steering assist while eliminating the separating loads that would otherwise increase driver effort in hydraulic systems.
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 system reduces separating loads and moments on the ball nut and screw, eliminating the need for additional load-resistant features and improving steering efficiency by distributing torque through sliding and pivoting motions.
Implementation Method 1
a ball screw (28) rotatably driven by the electric motor (22). A ball nut (26) is translatable along the ball screw (28) in a linear direction during rotation of the ball screw (28).
Implementation Method 2
a sliding joint (30) in sliding contact with an outer surface of the ball nut (26), the sliding joint (30) moveable in a non-parallel direction relative to the linear direction of the ball nut (26).
Data Source
AI summary
A recirculating ball power steering system includes an electric motor. The system also includes a ball screw rotatably driven by the electric motor. The system further includes a ball nut translatable along the ball screw in a linear direction during rotation of the ball screw. The system yet further includes a sliding joint in sliding contact with an outer surface of the ball nut, the sliding joint moveable in a non-parallel direction relative to the linear direction of the ball nut.