Rack-and-Pinion Stop Ring Press Fit for Reliable Steering Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rack-and-pinion gears in steering systems of motor vehicles face a challenge in balancing cost-effective production with high operating reliability, particularly in safety-critical applications where simplifications and cost savings must not compromise reliability.
Innovation Solution
A rack-and-pinion gear design that incorporates a stop ring held by press fit in the pinion housing to limit rack longitudinal movement and tilting, ensuring reliable engagement between the rack and pinion, with the stop ring being easy to assemble and produce, and optionally featuring a plastic material with fiber reinforcement for reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional assembly methods (screws, clips, adhesive) are used to secure the stop ring, then the reliability of rack limitation is improved, but the assembly complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical assembly elements (screws, clips, adhesive) with a press-fit mechanical connection. The stop ring is secured to the pinion housing through a press-fit connection that utilizes interference fit between the stop ring's outer circumference and the housing aperture, eliminating the need for additional assembly elements while maintaining secure attachment and reliability.
2Reliability
If complex assembly elements (screws, clips, adhesive) are used to secure the stop ring, then the reliability of engagement is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex assembly elements with a simple press-fit connection that requires no additional parts. The stop ring is directly pressed onto the pinion housing, eliminating screws, clips, or adhesive while maintaining secure attachment and reliable rack limitation, thereby reducing production cost and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary assembly elements (screws, clips, adhesive) from the traditional design, retaining only the essential press-fit connection between the stop ring and pinion housing. This extraction of redundant components reduces production cost while maintaining the core function of rack limitation.
3Ease of operation
If the rack is allowed to tilt or move freely, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the reliability of meshing between pinion and rack deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing the stop ring with limitation surfaces that prevent rack tilting and excessive longitudinal movement before meshing issues can occur. The stop ring's inner circumference features a limitation surface that contacts the rack to prevent tilting, and an end surface that limits longitudinal movement, ensuring reliable meshing is maintained under all operating conditions.
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 solution achieves high operating reliability and cost-effective production by ensuring consistent engagement between the rack and pinion, even under heavy stress, while simplifying assembly and reducing production costs through the use of a press fit and plastic materials.
Implementation Method 1
a stop ring, which is held in the pinion housing by means of a press fit, is provided in the housing aperture for limiting a rack longitudinal movement and/or a tilting of the rack
Implementation Method 2
a stop ring, which is held in the pinion housing by means of a press fit
Data Source
AI summary
A rack-and-pinion gear is described, which is suitable in particular for a steering system of a motor vehicle. In this a pinion is supported in a pinion housing and meshes with a rack inside this pinion housing. The rack here projects from the pinion housing through at least one housing aperture. A stop ring, which serves to limit a rack longitudinal movement and/or a tilting of the rack, is moreover held in the housing aperture by means of a press fit. In addition, a steering gear having such a rack-and-pinion gear and a steering system for a motor vehicle comprising such a steering gear are described.