Steering Apparatus Manual Toe Angle Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle steering systems with in-wheel motors require time-consuming and labor-intensive fine adjustments of the electric motor's zero position or mounting point to adjust the toe angle, complicating the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus with a manual toe angle adjustment mechanism that allows for easy adjustment of the toe angle without needing to fine-tune the electric motor's position, utilizing a mechanism with a rotatable fixed and movable portion connected by an adjustable screw, positioned outside the power transmission mechanism to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fine adjustment of electric motor zero position or mounting point is performed to adjust toe angle, then toe angle adjustment is achieved, but assembly time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the toe angle adjustment function from the electric motor positioning function. The adjustable link is divided into a fixed portion on the steering unit and a movable portion on the wheel support portion, connected by an adjustment screw. This segmentation allows toe angle adjustment without affecting electric motor positioning, eliminating the need for time-consuming fine adjustments of the motor zero position or mounting points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dynamically adjustable link between the steering unit and wheel support portion. The adjustment screw enables the link length to be changed, allowing the toe angle to be adjusted after assembly. This dynamic adjustment mechanism provides flexibility without requiring disassembly or fine-tuning of the electric motor, significantly reducing assembly time and labor.
2Manufacturing precision
If fine adjustment of electric motor mounting point is performed to adjust toe angle, then toe angle adjustment is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segregates the adjustment function into a dedicated adjustable link with a fixed portion and movable portion. This segmentation creates a simple, focused adjustment mechanism that does not complicate the overall assembly. The adjustment screw provides a straightforward method for toe angle adjustment without requiring complex procedures such as loosening multiple mounting points or recalibrating the electric motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable link acts as an intermediary element between the steering unit and wheel support portion. By introducing this intermediate component with an adjustment screw, the invention provides a dedicated mechanism for toe angle adjustment that simplifies the overall assembly process. The intermediary link absorbs the adjustment function, preventing it from complicating the electric motor mounting and power transmission systems.
3Ease of operation
If adjustment mechanism is added to enable manual toe angle adjustment, then ease of adjustment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a segmented adjustable link with distinct fixed and movable portions connected by an adjustment screw. This segmentation creates a simple, intuitive adjustment mechanism that is easy to operate. The adjustment screw provides direct, manual control over toe angle without requiring complex procedures, while the modular segmented structure keeps the mechanism itself simple and maintainable.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a steering apparatus 1 including: a wheel 2; and a steering unit 5 configured to steer the wheel 2, the steering apparatus 1 being fixable to a vehicle body, wherein the steering unit 5 includes: a steering drive source (an electric motor incorporated in an electric motor unit 61) configured to steer the wheel 2 with a steering rotation axis 63a as an axis, the steering rotation axis 63a being a rotation axis when the wheel 2 is steered; and a manual toe angle adjustment mechanism 7 different from the steering drive source, the manual toe angle adjustment mechanism 7 enabling a toe angle of the wheel 2 to be manually adjusted around the steering rotation axis 63a.