Steering Support Rigidity via Aligned Force Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering support systems experience a reduction in rigidity due to external forces changing direction within the hollow parts, leading to local stress and inefficient force transmission from the steering to the vehicle pillars.
Innovation Solution
A steering support system is designed with a body portion formed by joining plate materials, featuring internal spaces and strategically located fastening portions that align on a straight line, ensuring a direct and smooth transmission of external forces to reduce local stress and enhance rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the hollow part of the pipe portion transmits external force to the flanges, then the external force is transmitted to the pillar, but the transmission direction changes largely reducing rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow part is divided into a first hollow part (in the wide area portion) and a second hollow part (in the pipe portion), with a rib structure connecting them. This segmentation allows the external force to be transmitted through multiple paths via the ribs, preventing large direction changes and reducing local stress concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
A rib structure extending in the vehicle-width direction is added to connect the first and second hollow parts. This adds a dimensional element that creates additional force transmission paths, allowing the external force to be distributed more evenly and transmitted smoothly without sharp direction changes.
2Strength
If the external force changes direction largely when transmitted through the hollow part, then force transmission occurs, but rigidity of the steering support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow part is segmented into first and second hollow parts connected by ribs, creating multiple force transmission paths that maintain more direct force flow and reduce energy loss through unnecessary direction changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structure extending in the vehicle-width direction provides additional transmission pathways that shorten the force transmission path and reduce the number of direction changes, improving force transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering support includes a body portion provided with an internal space, and first and second fastening portions. The first fastening portion is provided to form a first steering fastening portion configured to fasten the body portion and a steering of a vehicle. The second fastening portion is provided to form a miscellaneous member fastening portion configured to fasten the body portion and a miscellaneous member of the vehicle. At least part of the first steering fastening portion and at least a part of the miscellaneous member fastening portion are located on a substantially straight line that passes through the internal space.