Lightweight design of a steering power cylinder bracket

Abstract

As for lightweight design of components, the multi-body dynamics analysis was conducted on the hydraulic power steering system with double front axles, and the load spectrum of the Steering Power Cylinder Bracket (SPCB) under typical working conditions was worked out. Then, the nonlinear strength calculation and topology optimization analysis of the bracket were carried out. According to the optimization results, the eight schemes were designed and the optimal one was selected according to the results of static strength calculation. Then the optimal scheme was subject to the analysis on fatigue strength. Finally, it was verified that the optimized structure was effective by means of the vehicle durability test. The results show that the weight of the SPCB is reduced by about 2.53 kg (the lightweight ratio of 43.2%) when such performance as stiffness and strength are greatly improved compared with that of original scheme. The lightweight effect is obvious and the optimization process can guide the lightweight design of similar parts.