Power Steering Worm Bearing Compensation for Gear Mesh Load
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The worm/worm gear reduction assembly in power steering systems wears over time, leading to reduced friction and poor NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance.
Innovation Solution
A power steering assembly with a compensation mechanism that includes adjustable worm bearings and a biasing system to maintain or adjust the gear mesh load between the worm gear and worm, reducing friction variation and improving NVH performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the worm/worm gear reduction assembly is used for power steering assist, then torque assist is provided to the steering shaft, but the gear mesh load decreases over time due to wear, leading to poor NVH performance
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation mechanism includes an adjustable worm bearing that can dynamically adjust the position of the worm relative to the worm gear, allowing the system to adapt to wear over time and maintain optimal gear mesh load conditions for improved NVH performance
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation mechanism provides a feedback loop where the adjustable bearing position is optimized based on observed wear conditions, enabling the system to self-correct and maintain consistent gear mesh load characteristics throughout the service life of the power steering assembly
2Duration of action of moving object
If the worm/worm gear reduction assembly operates over time, then steering assist function is maintained, but friction between the worm and worm gear reduces due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable worm bearing enables dynamic repositioning of the worm along its axis, allowing the gear mesh load and friction characteristics to be optimized at different stages of the component's service life, thereby maintaining effective steering assist function throughout extended operation
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation mechanism allows for changing the positional parameters of the worm relative to the worm gear, adjusting the mesh load and friction characteristics to compensate for wear-induced changes in the gear interface over time
3Reliability
If the gear mesh load is not maintained, then wear continues to increase, but adjusting the worm bearing position adds complexity to the power steering assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation mechanism is designed to be self-adjusting within operational parameters, allowing the worm bearing position to be optimized without requiring external intervention or complex control systems, thereby maintaining gear mesh load while minimizing added complexity
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 maintains consistent gear mesh load, minimizing friction variation and enhancing NVH, ride, and handling performance by compensating for wear and manufacturing variations over time.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member arranged to bias the worm bearing to maintain or adjust a gear mesh load between the worm gear and the worm
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing adjustment assembly includes a worm engaged with a worm gear. The assembly also includes a worm bearing located proximate an end of the worm. The assembly further includes a compensation mechanism engaging the worm bearing, the compensation mechanism being adjustable to bias the worm bearing to maintain or adjust a gear mesh load between the worm gear and the worm.