Telescopic Steering Rod Zero-Lash Bushing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic steering rod designs for vehicles fail to achieve a 3:1 length ratio between the pulled-out and pushed-in states while ensuring a secure, zero-lash connection and are often costly and demanding in production, with some solutions prone to malfunction due to complex mechanisms or electronic failures.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic connecting steering rod comprising a main steering rod, middle adaptor, and upper extension with a bushing and connecting element featuring unequally deep side grooves and front grooves, along with security elements like jaws coupled with a spacing spring, to enable secure telescopic extension and tilting with a 3:1 length ratio and prevent disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing telescopic steering rod designs are used, then the steering system can be adjusted, but the production complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic steering rod is divided into multiple segments (first steering rod portion, second steering rod portion, third steering rod portion) that can telescope relative to each other. This segmentation enables the 3:1 length ratio achievement while maintaining simple production processes for each individual segment, avoiding the need for complex integrated mechanisms found in existing designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering rod portions are nested within each other in a telescopic arrangement, where the second portion is received by the first portion, and the third portion is received by the second portion. This nesting configuration allows compact storage in the retracted state while achieving extended length ratios, eliminating the need for complex expansion mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If existing telescopic steering rod designs are used, then the steering system can be adjusted, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the steering rod into separate telescopic segments with standardized connection interfaces, each segment can be manufactured independently using simple processes. This avoids the high manufacturing costs associated with producing complex integrated telescopic mechanisms or precision-machined toothed surfaces required by existing designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves the 3:1 length ratio through straightforward dimensional design of the telescopic segments rather than through complex mechanical mechanisms. By changing the length parameters of each segment and their telescopic arrangement, the desired ratio is achieved with simple manufacturing, eliminating the need for expensive precision machining of cogwheels or toothed surfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used, then the steering system can be adjusted to required positions, but the operation becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic steering rod employs a dynamic telescopic mechanism that allows smooth extension and retraction of the steering rod portions relative to each other. This dynamic configuration enables quick adjustment between different length positions without time-consuming manual assembly or disassembly operations, while maintaining the adaptability to achieve various steering positions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the steering rod is extended to achieve large length ratios, then the steering system becomes more versatile, but the risk of disengagement and loss of function increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interfaces between telescopic segments are designed with preliminary engagement features that ensure proper alignment and connection before full extension is achieved. The connection elements are configured to engage sequentially as the segments telescope, preventing disengagement even when the steering rod is fully extended to achieve the 3:1 length ratio, thereby maintaining reliability throughout the full range of motion.
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 design allows for reliable adjustment and secure connection/disconnection of the steering system, ensuring zero-lash engagement and preventing disengagement, thus maintaining proper function while simplifying production and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
jaws (41) which are mutually coupled with a spacing spring (42)
Data Source
AI summary
The telescopic connecting steering rod, particularly for vehicle built-ins, consists of mutually telescopically arranged main steering rod (1), middle adaptor (2) and upper extension (3), where the lower end of the main steering rod (1) is adapted to enable its mounting in the vehicle steering system and where the upper extension (3) is fitted with a connecting element (5) adopted to connect the steering rod to the tailgate part of the vehicle and to connect it to the control element of the vehicle steering mechanism. The fundamental part of the invention is an above-open bushing (12) on the upper end of the main steering rod (1) and a connecting element (5) consisting of a head (51), the outline shape of which conforms to the inner hollow of the bushing (12), where both these mutually insertable parts are fitted with fittings to connect the main steering rod (1) and the connecting element (5) with zero lash, wherein the main steering rod (1) and the middle adaptor (2) are modified in their upper parts to hold the security elements (4) built in in the lower parts of inner hollows of the middle adaptor (2) and of the upper extension (3).