Steering Tie Rod Retainer Structure for Rotation-Resistant Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering assemblies in work vehicles face challenges in maintaining the precise alignment and stability of tie rods, particularly due to rotational movement, which can affect the steering performance and durability.
Innovation Solution
A steering assembly design featuring a retainer with a protrusion and flange portion that secures the inner tie rod housing to the piston rod, utilizing internal and external threads for adjustability, and fasteners to prevent rotation, ensuring the tie rod's position is maintained relative to the piston rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner tie rod housing is allowed to rotate for adjustment, then the steering assembly is easier to adjust, but the alignment and stability of the tie rod deteriorates due to rotational movement
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into functional segments: a body portion that interfaces with the piston rod, a flange portion with fastening features, and protrusions that engage with the housing. This segmentation allows the retainer to perform multiple functions (positioning, preventing rotation, securing) while maintaining tie rod alignment stability during adjustment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the piston rod and the inner tie rod housing. It mediates the connection by providing a stable mounting interface that prevents rotational movement of the housing relative to the piston rod, while still allowing for controlled adjustment through the fastening mechanism
2Stability of the object's composition
If the inner tie rod housing is secured to prevent rotation, then the alignment and stability are improved, but the adjustability of the steering assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism between the retainer and inner tie rod housing is designed to be dynamically changeable. The housing can be easily removed and repositioned along the piston rod, allowing operators to adjust the steering assembly as needed. Once positioned, the fastening mechanism secures the housing to prevent rotation during operation, thus achieving both adjustability and stability
3Reliability
If fasteners are used to secure the retainer to the inner tie rod housing, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides a mounting surface for fasteners, includes protrusions to prevent rotation, and features a flange for structural support. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components, thereby maintaining connection reliability while minimizing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A steering assembly includes a piston rod including internal threads positioned on an inner wall of a recess, an inner tie rod housing including external threads engaging with the internal threads, the inner tie rod housing adjustably connected to the piston rod, a tie rod including an inner tie rod having an end positioned at least partially in the inner tie rod housing, a retainer including a wall portion and a flange portion, the retainer positioned at least partially in the recess, the retainer including a protrusion extending from an outer surface of the wall portion and contacting the inner wall of the recess, which resists rotation of the retainer, and one or more fasteners releasably attaching the retainer to the inner tie rod housing.