Worm Shaft Bearing Assembly With Resilient Pivot Ring for Quiet Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical power steering systems experience undesirable noises due to gearing play and reaction torque issues in bearing arrangements, particularly during alternating steering, which are exacerbated by load and wear, leading to rattling noises.
Innovation Solution
A bearing arrangement comprising a first and second rotary bearing, and a pivoting ring that acts resiliently between the second rotary bearing and the housing, with the pivoting ring configured to pretension the worm shaft against the worm wheel, reducing gearing play and noise by adjusting the pivot axis based on load and direction of rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional bearing arrangements are used, then the structure is simple, but gearing play causes undesirable noises during alternating steering
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing arrangement incorporates a dynamic pivot axis that can shift position based on load direction and magnitude. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain optimal contact between the worm shaft and worm wheel during alternating steering operations, eliminating gearing play noises without requiring overly complex structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing arrangement is designed to preemptively counteract gearing play by positioning the pivot axis optimally before load changes occur. The resilient mounting allows the pivot axis to anticipate and adapt to upcoming load reversals, preventing the development of gearing play and associated noises during alternating steering maneuvers.
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 provides a consistently quiet and reliable operation of the electromechanical power steering system by minimizing gearing play and reaction torque, reducing undesirable noises across varying loads and steering directions.
Implementation Method 1
a pivoting ring (21) which is configured so as to act resiliently between the second rotary bearing (20) and the housing (22)
Implementation Method 2
the pivoting ring (21) is configured so as to pretension the worm shaft (12) against the worm wheel (14)
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing arrangement may be used to mount a worm shaft meshing with a worm wheel in a housing of an electromechanical power steering system. The bearing arrangement comprises a first rotary bearing, a second rotary bearing, and a pivoting ring. The first rotary bearing is configured to permit a pivoting movement of the worm shaft. The pivoting ring comprises a first pivoting ring component and a second pivoting ring component and is configured to act resiliently between the second rotary bearing and the housing. The second rotary bearing is at least partially arranged between the first pivoting ring component and the second pivoting ring component. The first pivoting ring component has two first points, with respect to which the first pivoting ring component is configured resiliently. The second pivoting ring component has two second points, with respect to which the second pivoting ring component is configured resiliently.