Steering Tie Rod Splint Reinforcement for Threaded End Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle steering tie rods, particularly the threaded component of the inner tie rod end, are prone to failure under stressful conditions such as off-road driving due to their small cross-sectional area, leading to frequent breakdowns and the need for replacement.
Innovation Solution
A metal brace assembly is designed to reinforce the tie rod assembly by clamping onto the inner and outer tie rods, creating a cavity that accommodates the threaded section and jam nut, providing additional support without modifying existing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the threaded component of the inner tie rod end is used, then the steering system can be kept simple and lightweight, but the component is prone to failure under stressful conditions due to its small cross-sectional area
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement system is divided into separate components: a splint that wraps around the threaded portion and a separate clamp assembly. This allows the reinforcement function to be added without redesigning the entire tie rod assembly, maintaining simplicity while improving strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint is designed to fit over the existing threaded component of the inner tie rod end, with the clamp assembly then securing the splint in place. This nested arrangement allows the reinforcement to be integrated into the existing structure without significant modification or increased complexity.
2Reliability
If a reinforcement splint is added to prevent tie rod failure, then the reliability under stressful conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splint is pre-formed to match the contours of the inner tie rod end, and the clamp assembly is pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms. This preliminary preparation allows for quick installation and ensures proper reinforcement without requiring complex assembly procedures or increasing operational complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the threaded component design is maintained, then ease of manufacture is preserved, but the component fails under off-road stress conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The splint acts as an intermediary element between the existing threaded component and the external stresses encountered during off-road driving. It distributes and absorbs the harmful stresses before they reach the vulnerable threaded portion, protecting the original component without requiring any changes to its manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A tie rod reinforcement device for reinforcing a vehicle steering tie rod assembly includes a metal brace assembly that reinforces a threaded section of the vehicle steering tie rod assembly. The brace assembly includes an outer surface and an inner cavity having an inner surface. Portions of the inner and outer tie rods are disposed in the inner cavity when the brace assembly is installed on a vehicle. The inner surface of the brace assembly includes a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter different from the first diameter. The first diameter and second diameter are about equal to an outer diameter of the inner tie rod and outer tie rod, respectively, so that the inner surface is in direct contact with the inner tie rod and outer tie rod when the apparatus is installed on the vehicle.