Steering Spindle Plug-in Connection for Tight Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering spindle arrangements face challenges in simplifying the assembly process, particularly in tight spaces, due to poor accessibility and increased complexity with different engine and steering variants, where the direct screw connection to the steering clutch is difficult and often obstructed by other components like the exhaust system.
Innovation Solution
A steering arrangement featuring a steering spindle connection with a fork head connected via an intermediate piece using a hub-like design, equipped with longitudinally axially oriented tongue and groove guide elements and a clamping device for torque-transmitting positive guidance, ensuring correct relative positioning and secure connection without manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a direct screw connection of the steering spindle to the steering clutch is used, then the connection is secure and torque-transmitting, but the assembly process becomes complex and difficult in tight spaces with poor accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: the steering spindle with its connection element, the intermediate piece with receiving area, and the steering clutch. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining connection strength through dedicated connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate piece is introduced as a mediator between the steering spindle and the steering clutch. This intermediate piece provides a receiving area that simplifies the connection process by offering a pre-configured interface, eliminating the need for complex direct screw connections in tight spaces and poor accessibility conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the steering spindle is screwed to the steering coupling at right angles to the steering spindle direction, then the connection is structurally sound, but accessibility for assembly becomes poor and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate piece is pre-configured with a receiving area and connection interfaces before assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the steering spindle to be quickly connected to the steering clutch without requiring complex alignment procedures or lengthy assembly operations, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate piece serves multiple functions: it provides a receiving area for the steering spindle, offers connection interfaces for the steering clutch, and enables assembly from multiple directions. This multi-functionality allows the same component to accommodate different assembly scenarios and orientations, reducing assembly time across various configurations.
3Device complexity
If the steering coupling part is dispensed with and only the steering spindle is used, then the structure is simplified, but the ability to merge the motor/gearbox and chassis unit in the Z direction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate piece is designed with universal adaptability to serve multiple assembly configurations. It provides connection interfaces that accommodate both the steering spindle and the steering clutch, enabling the merging of motor/gearbox and chassis unit in the Z direction while maintaining a simplified overall structure without requiring a separate steering coupling part.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate piece is provided to connect the steering coupling to the steering spindle, then assembly flexibility is improved, but the connection partners become difficult to see and access in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate piece is designed with locally optimized connection interfaces that are easily accessible and visible. The receiving area and connection elements are positioned to maximize visibility and accessibility in tight spaces, allowing assembly personnel to easily detect and work with the connection partners despite the constrained environment.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
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AI summary
The invention relates to a steering arrangement (1) which has a steering spindle with a steering spindle connection (2) that is connected to a fork head (4) of a steering coupling via an intermediate piece (3). The steering spindle connection (2) and the hub-shaped intermediate piece (3) are designed as plug partners at ends that face each other by means of at least one groove and spring guiding element pair (5, 6) which is oriented in a longitudinally axial manner and which provides a positive guide that transmits a torque. This is achieved in that a first guiding element (5, 6) of the guiding element pair (5, 6) is arranged on the steering spindle connection (2), and a second guiding element (5, 6) of the guiding element pair (5, 6) is arranged on the intermediate piece (3). A clamping device which clamps the plug partners against each other in a plugged position, is provided