Support Casing with Oblique Slot for Track Rod Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing assembly methods for track rod assemblies in off-highway vehicles are hindered by the radial extension of track rod ends being greater than the bore of annular mounts, obstructing the insertion of the track rod assembly and requiring complex and time-consuming attachment and adjustment processes.
Innovation Solution
A support casing with a through bore and an oblique slot in the support mounting allows the passage of the taper pin of the track rod end, enabling pre-assembled track rod assemblies to be attached directly to the steering arm, simplifying the assembly process and allowing pre-setting of the track rod length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the track rod assembly is pre-assembled with track rod ends attached, then the attachment and adjustment operations during vehicle assembly are minimized, but the radial extension of the track rod end obstructs insertion through the annular mount bore
Solution Approach 1:
The support mounting is segmented into two functional zones: a through bore for receiving the cylindrical actuator and an oblique slot for accommodating the taper pin. This segmentation allows the track rod assembly to be pre-assembled while enabling the taper pin to pass through the slot during installation, resolving the contradiction between pre-assembly benefits and insertion feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot is oriented obliquely with respect to the pinion shaft axis, extending in a different dimensional direction from the actuator bore. This dimensional change allows the taper pin to pass through the slot at an angle that avoids interference with the actuator insertion, enabling both pre-assembled track rod ends and smooth actuator installation.
2Ease of operation
If the track rod assembly is disassembled for insertion through the annular mount, then the radial extension obstruction is avoided, but the attachment operations and adjustment delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support mounting is divided into distinct functional areas: the through bore for the actuator and the oblique slot for the taper pin. This segmentation allows the track rod assembly to remain pre-assembled while the taper pin passes through the dedicated slot, eliminating the need for disassembly and reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The oblique slot acts as an intermediary feature that mediates between the pre-assembled track rod end with its taper pin and the support mounting structure. The slot provides a dedicated passage that accommodates the taper pin's radial extension without obstructing the actuator bore, allowing smooth insertion of the complete assembly.
3Ease of operation
If the slot is made large enough to accommodate the taper pin, then the track rod end can pass through, but the structural integrity of the support mounting is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is designed with specific local qualities: it is oblique with respect to the pinion shaft axis and extends generally obliquely away from the operating envelope of the crown wheel and differential gear. This localized design provides just enough clearance for the taper pin while maintaining structural integrity in the critical load-bearing areas of the support mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
A driving and steering axle of an off-highway vehicle includes an attached track rod assembly incorporating an actuator housed in spaced apart annular mountings of an axle drive head casing. One mounting includes a slot to permit through passage of one end of the assembly with a pre-attached track rod end.