Torsion Bar Serrated End Symmetry Steering Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing process for torsion bars in vehicle steering systems often results in asymmetry at the end regions, leading to twisting during installation and challenging centering, which requires costly secondary processes like grinding to correct.

Innovation Solution

A torsion bar design with a serrated portion having symmetrical leading edges, formed using a cold forming machine with specific dies to ensure axial offset and controlled geometry, preventing twisting during press fitting and eliminating the need for secondary grinding processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a rolling process is used to form the torsion bar, then the manufacturing efficiency is improved, but asymmetry is created at the end region causing twisting during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidsymmetry of end region
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by forming the serrated portion with controlled symmetry during the initial rolling process. The rolling dies are designed to create symmetrical material distribution at the end region before installation, preventing twisting during press-fitting. This preliminary correction eliminates the need for secondary grinding operations while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating a serrated portion with distinct geometric features at the end region of the torsion bar. The serrations are formed with controlled symmetry specifically at this local area, while the main body of the torsion bar maintains its original properties. This localized modification addresses the symmetry issue without requiring rework of the entire component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If material is removed from the outer diameter to correct asymmetry, then the symmetry is improved, but the manufacturing cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymmetry of end regionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the symmetry correction during the initial rolling process itself, rather than requiring subsequent removal of material. The rolling dies are configured to produce symmetrical end regions with controlled material distribution, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming grinding operations while achieving the required precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive secondary grinding processes with a cost-effective rolling operation. By integrating the symmetry control into the primary forming process using appropriately designed rolling dies, the patent eliminates the need for costly secondary machining operations, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If the torsion bar is pressed into the steering shaft, then the assembly is completed, but asymmetry causes twisting that prevents proper centering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly completionVSAvoidcentering accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the serrated portion with controlled symmetry during the rolling process. This ensures that when the torsion bar is pressed into the steering shaft, the symmetrical geometry prevents twisting and allows proper centering to occur naturally during assembly, eliminating the need for subsequent alignment adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses the asymmetry problem by intentionally creating a symmetrical serrated portion through controlled rolling. The serrations are formed with equal distribution around the circumference, counteracting the inherent asymmetry that would otherwise cause twisting during press-fitting. This deliberate symmetry in the end region geometry ensures proper centering during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Ensures proper centering of the torsion bar during assembly, reducing the risk of off-centering and the need for costly secondary processes, thereby enhancing the functionality and cost-effectiveness of the steering system.

Implementation Method 1

rolling the torsion bar blank to form an end region having a cylindrical outer surface extending from an axial end surface and a serrated portion disposed proximate the end region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11292514B2Torsion bar for a steering system assembly
Publication Date: 2022.04.05 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP
  • US11292514B2 patent drawing
  • US11292514B2 patent drawing
  • US11292514B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a torsion bar for a steering system is provided. The method includes supporting a torsion bar blank on a cold forming machine with a plurality of dies at a first end region of the torsion bar blank and a second end region of the torsion bar blank. The method also includes rolling the torsion bar blank to form an end region having a cylindrical outer surface extending from an axial end surface and a serrated portion disposed proximate the end region and axially offset from the axial end surface.