Adjustable Yoke Clearance Compensator for Steering Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing yoke clearance compensators for vehicles have a fixed torsion torque that cannot be adjusted without replacing the torsion spring, making it difficult to match the proper torque settings for the rack bar and pinion gear as they wear over time.
Innovation Solution
A yoke clearance compensator design that includes a support yoke, a yoke plug with a cavity, a pressurizing unit comprising a pushing member, a torsion spring, and a spider, where the spider's position on the yoke plug can be adjusted to change the torsion torque of the torsion spring, allowing for customizable torque settings without replacing the spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the torsion spring is fixed in the yoke clearance compensator, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the torsion torque cannot be adjusted without replacing the spring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the spider rotatable relative to the yoke plug, allowing the torsion spring's effective length to be dynamically adjusted. The spider can rotate to different angular positions, changing the distance between its connection points, which thereby adjusts the torsion torque without replacing the spring. This transforms a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different torque requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the torsion spring system through spider rotation. By changing the angular position of the spider, the effective length and orientation of the torsion spring are altered, which changes the torsion torque parameter. This allows continuous adjustment of the torque parameter without changing the spring itself.
2Reliability
If the spider position is fixed on the yoke plug, then the manufacturing is simple, but the torsion torque cannot be matched to worn gears
Solution Approach 1:
The spider is designed with rotational capability relative to the yoke plug, transforming it from a fixed component to a dynamic adjustable component. This allows the assembly to be simple initially, but provides the capability to adjust the spider's angular position to match worn gears, thereby maintaining steering performance without complicating the basic assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows operators to self-adjust the spider position to match gear wear conditions. The adjustable design enables the compensator to adapt to different wear states of the rack bar and pinion gear, allowing the system to serve itself in maintaining proper torque settings throughout its service life.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the torsion spring torque is fixed, then the device is simpler, but it cannot compensate for wear over time
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable spider creates a dynamic adjustment capability that allows the torsion torque to be modified throughout the service life of the compensator. As the rack bar and pinion gear wear over time, the spider can be rotated to new angular positions to compensate for the wear and maintain effective torque, thereby extending the duration of effective action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in the torsion spring's effective characteristics by rotating the spider to different positions. This changes the geometric parameters of the spring system, allowing the torque parameter to be adjusted to compensate for wear accumulation over time, extending the effective service life of the compensator.
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
Enables adjustable torsion torque settings for the yoke clearance compensator, allowing for proper alignment and pressure adjustment between the rack bar and pinion gear without replacing the torsion spring, enhancing the compensator's effectiveness in maintaining vehicle steering performance.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring disposed between the pushing member and the spider
Implementation Method 2
The torsion spring may have one end connected to the pushing member and the other end connected to the spider
Implementation Method 3
The elastic part may include a spring of which one end surrounds the circumference of the support yoke and the other end is installed on one surface of the yoke plug
Data Source
AI summary
A yoke clearance compensator of a vehicle may include: a support yoke for supporting a rack bar; a yoke plug coupled to the support yoke through an elastic part and having a cavity formed therein; a pressurizing unit installed in the cavity of the yoke plug and providing a pressurizing force to the support yoke; and an end plug for fixing the pressurizing unit to the yoke plug.