Toothed Rack Press-Fit Connection Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toothed racks or threaded rods in steering mechanisms face challenges in production efficiency and part connection due to the division into multiple rod-shaped parts, particularly with bolted connections which increase production costs and restrict implementation flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A toothed rack or threaded rod design featuring a connection part with connection pins held by press fit, where the section between the pins has a greater radial dimension than the rod-shaped parts, forming a functional section that can act as a stop or gearing member, and utilizing material elevations for enhanced connection strength and chip reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the toothed rack is divided into multiple rod-shaped parts connected by bolted connection, then the production efficiency and adaptability are improved, but the production costs increase and connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The toothed rack is divided into multiple rod-shaped parts (first rod-shaped part and second rod-shaped part) that can be produced separately and then connected. This segmentation enables specialized production processes for each part, improving overall production efficiency and allowing better adaptation to different function regions while maintaining connection reliability through the press-fit design.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection part serves as an intermediary element between the first and second rod-shaped parts. This connection part includes connection pins that are pressed into hollow volumes of the rod-shaped parts, providing a reliable mechanical connection without requiring welding or complex assembly processes, thus maintaining both reliability and production efficiency.
2Strength
If the section between connection pins has greater radial dimension, then the connection strength and functional versatility are improved, but the material volume and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The section of the connection part located between the first and second connection pins has a greater radial dimension and can serve multiple functions: it acts as a structural element providing connection strength, and can also function as a stop or gearing member depending on the specific application. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased radial dimension.
3Reliability
If press fit connection is used instead of bolted connection, then the connection reliability and production efficiency are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection part is designed with specific geometric parameters, including the radial dimension of the section between connection pins being greater than the rod-shaped parts. This parameter change allows the press-fit connection to achieve reliable mechanical interlocking without requiring extremely tight tolerances, as the enlarged radial dimension provides sufficient engagement area and stress distribution.
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
This design enhances connection reliability and production efficiency by providing a broadened application feasibility with a secure, force-fit connection that reduces material volume removal and cracking risks, allowing for simpler assembly and adaptation to various function regions.
Implementation Method 1
The first connection pin is held by press fit in the hollow volume, opening out at the connection end, of the first rod-shaped part and the second connection pin is held by press fit in the hollow volume, opening out at the connection end, of the second rod-shaped part
Data Source
AI summary
A toothed rack or threaded rod, in particular for a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle, includes a first rod-shaped part which, as a function element of the toothed rack or threaded rod, includes at least one element for the conversion of a rotational movement into a translational movement, in particular a toothing and/or a threading for the engagement of a threaded nut or of a threaded drive, and a second rod-shaped part which is connected with the first rod-shaped part. The connection of the first with the second rod-shaped part takes place via a separate connection part which includes first and second connection pins, of which the first connection pin is held by press fit in the hollow volume opening out at the connection end of the first rod-shaped part and the second connection pin is held by press fit in the hollow volume opening out at the connection end of the second rod-shaped part. A section of the connection part located between the first and the second connection pin has at least over a region of its circumference a greater radial dimension than the first and the second rod-shaped part in the corresponding circumferential region.