Steering Yoke Clearance Compensation via Elastic Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-term use of rack-pinion type steering apparatuses leads to increased clearance between the support yoke and the yoke plug, causing noise due to vibrations and external impacts, which existing solutions cannot automatically compensate without manual adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An automatic clearance compensation device using a spacer assembly with axial and radial elastic members, wedge members, and spacers that expand and retract to maintain contact between the support yoke and the rack bar, eliminating noise and compensating for wear-induced clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional support yoke structure is used, then the initial clearance between the rack bar and pinion shaft is reduced, but clearance increases over time due to wear requiring manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The support yoke is equipped with an automatic adjustment mechanism that uses the existing sliding friction between the support yoke and rack bar to self-regulate clearance. The support yoke automatically moves forward when clearance increases due to wear, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining reliable contact between components
Solution Approach 2:
The support yoke is designed with dynamic adjustment capability, allowing it to change its position automatically based on wear conditions. The yoke can slide forward along the rack bar to compensate for clearance increases over time, transforming from a static component to a dynamically adaptive one
2Reliability
If the spring pressure is increased to maintain contact, then clearance compensation improves, but the friction and wear between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using high constant spring pressure, the support yoke is designed to dynamically adjust its position along the rack bar. The yoke automatically moves forward when clearance increases, maintaining contact with minimal friction rather than relying on continuous high spring pressure that would cause excessive wear
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 device automatically compensates for clearance and reduces noise generated by external impacts, ensuring efficient power delivery and prolonged system performance without the need for manual adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a spacer assembly expandable and retractable in axial and radial directions... at least one axial elastic member disposed in an axial direction between the first and second spacers
Implementation Method 2
a radial elastic member for enclosing and connecting the radial outer surfaces of the wedge members when the wedge members are radially disposed between the first and second spacers
Implementation Method 3
The front portion of the support yoke 230 as such experiences a sliding friction with the rear surface of the rack bar 140. In order to prevent wear and noise of the rack bar 140 due to such a friction
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic clearance compensation device for a support yoke of a rack-pinion type steering apparatus, includes: a hollow yoke cylinder integrally formed with a rack housing, wherein the yoke cylinder is positioned at the opposite side of a rack gear formed at a rack bar; a support yoke slidably inserted within the yoke cylinder and formed with a groove at its one side to be in contact with the outer surface of the rack bar; a spacer assembly installed within the yoke cylinder, contacting the other side of the support yoke. The device can automatically compensate for the clearance created due to the wear between the rack bar and the support yoke. Even when the external impacts are reversely transmitted, the device can remove the noise generated between the support yoke and the yoke plug.