Worm Axis Resilient Member for Gap Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electronic power steering apparatus faces issues with backlash due to wear and shrinkage of worm and worm wheel components, leading to noise and increased part count with traditional resilient bodies.
Innovation Solution
An electronic steering apparatus with a resilient member that supports the worm axis at an angle relative to its axial direction, using a compression spring-like resilient member to compensate for gaps between the worm and worm wheel, reducing noise and part count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional resilient bodies are used to compensate for gaps between worm and worm wheel, then gap compensation is achieved, but device complexity increases due to increased part count
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gap compensation function and resilient support function into a single resilient member. This member simultaneously compensates for gaps between the worm and worm wheel while providing resilient support to the worm axis, thereby reducing the number of parts compared to traditional solutions that use separate resilient bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member is designed to perform multiple functions: it compensates for gaps between meshing components, supports the worm axis resiliently, and accommodates axial movement of the worm axis. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components.
2Power
If worm and worm wheel components are used for power transmission, then steering power is transmitted, but backlash occurs due to wear and shrinkage leading to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is installed in advance to maintain continuous contact between the worm and worm wheel teeth. It compensates for wear and thermal shrinkage before they cause excessive backlash, thereby preventing noise generation from tooth separation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member dynamically adjusts the axial position of the worm axis in response to wear and thermal changes, maintaining optimal tooth contact pressure and eliminating gaps that would cause noise during power transmission.
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
The solution effectively compensates for gaps between the worm and worm wheel, reducing noise and part count, while maintaining efficient energy transfer and steering performance.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member supporting the one side while varying in its angle relative to the axial direction of the worm axis along with the movement of the worm axis
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic steering apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a worm wheel provided in the housing, a worm axis engaged with the worm wheel in the housing, a bearing installed on the outer circumference of one side of the worm axis, and a resilient member supporting the one side while varying in its angle relative to the axial direction of the worm axis along with the movement of the worm axis, thereby providing an effect of compensating for a gap between the worm and the worm wheel.