Worm Shaft Bearing Holder Layout for Compact Power Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power steering devices are bulkier due to the enlarged configuration of the guiding member and bearing holder, which hinders size reduction.
Innovation Solution
A power steering device design featuring a worm shaft, worm wheel, and a holder system with a first holder to hold a bearing, a second holder with a guide part to direct the bearing towards the worm wheel, and a biasing member to compress the first holder towards the worm wheel, allowing the bearing and holder to pass through a guiding direction, thereby reducing the device's size and improving meshing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bearing holder and guiding member are provided on the outer periphery of the bearing, then the bearing is supported and guided, but the configuration is enlarged and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bearing holder and guiding member into a single integrated holder structure. The holder includes both the bearing holding function and the guiding function through its guide part, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device size while maintaining reliable bearing support and guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs bearing support, positioning, and guidance functions. The guide part of the holder provides guiding functionality while the holder body provides bearing support, allowing one component to fulfill multiple roles that previously required separate parts.
2Ease of operation
If the guiding member and bearing holder are integrated on the outer periphery, then guidance is provided, but the radial space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide part is integrated within the holder structure itself, with the guide part forming an internal feature of the holder rather than being an external addition. This nesting approach allows the guidance function to be provided within the existing radial envelope of the holder, minimizing additional radial space requirements.
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 compact configuration of the holder system reduces the overall size of the power steering device while maintaining the meshing accuracy of the worm wheel and worm shaft, allowing for efficient steering assistance.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member provided in a compressed state between the first holder and the second holder, the biasing member biasing the first holder toward the worm wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A power steering device includes a bearing rotatably supporting the tip side of a worm shaft, a gear case provided with the housing hole for housing the worm shaft and a holder housing the bearing. The holder includes a first holder holding the bearing, a second holder having the guide part configured to guide a movement of the second bearing toward a worm wheel, and a spring provided in a compressed state between the first holder and the second holder and configured to bias the first holder toward the worm wheel. The second holder includes a holder opening part configured to allow the bearing and the first holder to pass through thereof in the guiding direction of the guide part to guide the bearing, and the first holder faces an inner peripheral surface of the housing hole through the holder opening part.