Worm Wheel Damper for Electric Power Steering Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric power steering systems experience rattle noise and component damage due to direct transmission of external impacts and vibrations caused by torsional loads, which also lead to abrasion and deformation of worm shafts and gear parts, necessitating additional gap prevention units.
Innovation Solution
A worm wheel design with a damper interposed between the inner and outer wheels to absorb torsional loads transmitted from the steering shaft to the worm shaft, reducing vibrations and eliminating the need for gap prevention units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a gap prevention unit is used to press against the worm shaft to remove gaps between the worm shaft and worm wheel, then rattle noise is reduced, but external impacts are directly transmitted to the worm shaft causing component damage
Solution Approach 1:
A damper is introduced as an intermediary component between the inner wheel and outer wheel of the worm wheel. This damper absorbs external impacts before they reach the worm shaft, while also maintaining the gap prevention function. The damper acts as a mediator that simultaneously addresses both the noise reduction requirement and the component protection requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper is positioned in advance between the inner and outer wheels to cushion against upcoming external impacts. By providing beforehand cushioning, the system prevents direct transmission of shocks to the worm shaft, thereby protecting components from damage while maintaining operational stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional gap prevention structures continuously press against the worm shaft, then gaps are eliminated, but torsional loads cause repeated impacts and component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The damper serves as a protective intermediary between the pressing mechanism and the worm shaft. It maintains the necessary pressure to eliminate gaps while absorbing the shock of repeated impacts caused by torsional loads, thereby protecting the worm shaft from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper is positioned in advance to cushion against the repeated impacts generated by torsional loads. This beforehand cushioning prevents the accumulation of damage from continuous pressing operations, extending component life while maintaining gap elimination.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If additional gap prevention units are added to prevent rattle noise, then noise is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gap prevention function and impact absorption function are merged into a single integrated damper component. Instead of adding separate gap prevention units to the existing structure, the damper combines both functions, simplifying the overall device while effectively reducing rattle noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs gap prevention and impact absorption. This universal component eliminates the need for additional specialized parts, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving noise reduction.
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 damper effectively reduces torsional loads, vibrations, and subsequent abrasion and deformation, thereby minimizing rattle noise and extending component lifespan without requiring additional gap prevention mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a damper interposed between an inner wheel and an outer wheel of a worm wheel such that the worm wheel absorbs torsional load transmitted to a worm shaft from a steering shaft through the worm wheel
Implementation Method 2
the worm wheel absorbs torsional load transmitted to a worm shaft from a steering shaft through the worm wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A worm wheel of an electric power steering apparatus includes: an inner wheel coupled to a steering shaft; an outer wheel disposed outside an outer circumference of the inner wheel and having a plurality of teeth on an outer circumferential surface to be engaged with a worm of a worm shaft; and a damper interposed between the inner wheel and the outer wheel.