Vehicle Handlebar Stopper Structure for Compact Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing handlebar stopper structure for vehicles occupies excessive space and incurs high costs due to dimensional errors and the complexity of components involved in regulating the maximum steering angle, making it difficult to achieve accurate turning regulation.
Innovation Solution
A handlebar stopper structure with orthogonally-projecting and axially-projecting parts that reduce space occupancy and minimize accumulative dimensional errors by positioning axially-projecting parts near the bearing supporting the steering shaft, thereby reducing the number of components between the orthogonally-projecting and axially-projecting parts and enhancing positional accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stopper members are provided on the chassis and the locking member on the output shaft, then the maximum steering angle can be regulated, but the space occupied by the stopper mechanism becomes larger and the distance accuracy between components becomes harder to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stopper mechanism components by providing both stopper members and the locking member on the output shaft, eliminating the need for separate chassis-mounted stopper members. This consolidation reduces the overall space required for the stopper mechanism while maintaining the steering angle regulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is configured to extend in the radial direction of the output shaft, utilizing the radial dimension rather than requiring additional axial space. This dimensional approach allows the stopper mechanism to occupy less volume while achieving the same regulatory function.
2Reliability
If multiple components are interposed between the locking member and stopper members, then the steering angle can be regulated, but accumulative dimensional errors and assembling errors increase making accurate regulation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By providing both stopper members and the locking member on the same output shaft, the patent eliminates intermediate components such as bearings and brackets that would otherwise be interposed between them. This direct configuration removes sources of accumulative dimensional and assembling errors, significantly improving distance accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If the working and assembling accuracy of each component is enhanced to regulate wheels with predetermined maximum steering angle, then the steering angle accuracy improves, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves accurate steering angle regulation through a simplified configuration where the locking member and stopper members are directly associated on the output shaft. This reduces the number of components requiring precision manufacturing and assembly, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving steering angle accuracy.
4Reliability
If the orthogonally-projecting part projects further to regulate turning angle, then the turning angle can be effectively controlled, but the space occupied by the handlebar stopper increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member extends in the radial direction rather than requiring increased orthogonal projection distance. This dimensional approach allows effective turning angle control to be achieved without increasing the overall space occupied by the handlebar stopper mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
To reduce space occupied by a handlebar stopper structure of a vehicle and to lower the cost of the handlebar stopper structure. A steering shaft is attached to an input shaft provided at an upper portion of an electric power steering unit with an output shaft provided at a lower portion of the electric power steering unit being coupled to the wheel-side. An upper handlebar stopper for regulating a turning angle of the steering shaft is provided between the steering shaft and a housing that is provided at an upper portion of the electric power steering unit. The upper handlebar stopper is configured by an orthogonally-projecting member projecting in the orthogonal direction relative to and from the steering shaft and axially-projecting parts projecting in the axial direction of the steering shaft from the housing in order to regulate the turning of the orthogonally-projecting member.