Steering Spindle Plain Bearing Radial Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plain bearings for steering spindles in motor vehicles are complex, costly, and heavy, with multi-part structures that fail to effectively absorb deviations from the centered position and handle high radial forces efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A plain bearing design featuring an inner ring surrounded by an outer ring with elastic intermediate pieces that maintain a radial distance until compressed, allowing direct force transfer when radial forces exceed a limit, and incorporating noses or lugs for positive stops and increased stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional multi-part plain bearing design (pendulum bearing, bearing cup, steel disk) is used, then the bearing can support the steering spindle, but the structure becomes complex, costly, and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (pendulum bearing, bearing cup, steel disk) into a single integrated plain bearing structure. The bearing consists of an inner ring, outer ring, and elastic intermediate pieces that work together as one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts while maintaining the required support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The plain bearing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it supports axial loads, absorbs radial deviations through the elastic intermediate pieces, provides overload protection through the limited slip design, and maintains positional stability. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required several separate components.
2Reliability
If tight tolerance requirements are imposed to achieve technically satisfactory results in an overdetermined bearing arrangement, then the bearing can function properly, but manufacturing becomes more difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces elastic intermediate pieces between the inner and outer rings, changing the mechanical parameters of the bearing system. These elastic elements provide compliance that absorbs tolerance variations, allowing the bearing to function properly without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances on the mounting surfaces and shaft.
3Reliability
If a self-aligning bearing is used to compensate for shaft runout caused by tolerances, then the bearing can accommodate deviations, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastic intermediate pieces that act as flexible elements between the rigid inner and outer rings. These elastic elements provide the necessary compliance to accommodate shaft runout and misalignment without requiring a complex self-aligning bearing mechanism, thereby achieving runout compensation with a simpler structure.
4Reliability
If the plain bearing is designed to absorb radial deviations and handle high radial forces, then the bearing performance improves, but the structure becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining rigid rings (for structural strength and force transmission) with elastic intermediate pieces (for compliance and radial deviation absorption). This composite approach allows the bearing to handle high radial forces while remaining lightweight, as the elastic elements are significantly lighter than traditional metal-based compliance mechanisms.
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 design results in a lightweight, stable, and cost-effective bearing capable of absorbing radial deviations and high forces, reducing complexity and weight while maintaining axial and rotational support.
Implementation Method 1
a respective one elastic intermediate piece in the unloaded state of the plain bearing keeps the inner ring at a distance from the outer ring in relation to the radial direction at the location of the intermediate piece and is compressible when a force acts on the inner ring and is directed outwards in the radial direction
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 9~10
AI summary
In the case of a plain bearing for a steering spindle of a steering column for a motor vehicle, with an inner ring (2) for the receiving and sliding mounting of the steering spindle, the inner ring (2) is surrounded by an outer ring (1), and elastic intermediate pieces (6) are arranged between the inner ring (2) and the outer ring (1). In the unloaded state of the sliding bearing, the various elastic intermediate pieces (6) keep the inner ring (2) at a distance from the outer ring (1) with reference to the radial direction at the location of the intermediate pieces (6) and are compressible in the event of an outwardly directed force in the radial direction acting on the inner ring (2), wherein the inner ring (2) strikes against the outer ring (1) when a limit value of the radial force is exceeded.