Auto-Leveling Steering Wheel Using MDPS and Angle Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual alignment of steering wheels in vehicles often results in errors and equipment damage due to residual torque and increased work processes, particularly when using traditional wheel levelers that require cables and lead to sensitivity leans during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
An auto-leveling apparatus equipped with an angle sensor and a wireless communication unit that transmits the steering wheel's inclination to a controller, which drives the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) to align the wheel accurately without manual intervention, reducing errors and equipment damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment is performed using traditional wheel levelers with cables, then the steering wheel can be aligned, but equipment damage occurs and residual torque causes errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based wheel leveler system with an electronic sensor-based system. The angle sensor detects steering wheel inclination and transmits data wirelessly to the controller, which then actuates the MDPS motor to align the wheel, eliminating mechanical cables and associated residual torque issues
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-alignment by using the vehicle's own MDPS motor and controller to perform the alignment operation. The angle sensor monitors the steering wheel position, and the controller automatically actuates the motor to achieve proper alignment without requiring external manual intervention or cable-based equipment
2Measurement precision
If manual wheel off center alignment is performed by workers, then alignment can be achieved, but errors occur due to human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting the steering wheel inclination through the angle sensor and actuating the MDPS motor via the controller to achieve proper alignment. This eliminates human intervention entirely, removing the source of human error while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The angle sensor provides continuous feedback on the steering wheel inclination to the controller, which adjusts the MDPS motor actuation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate alignment by constantly monitoring and correcting the steering wheel position based on real-time sensor data
3Productivity
If traditional wheel leveler alignment process is used, then alignment can be performed, but the number of work processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate operations (alignment detection, measurement, and correction) into a single integrated system. The angle sensor, wireless communication unit, controller, and MDPS motor work together as one unified system that performs alignment in a single automated process, eliminating the need for separate manual operations with traditional wheel levelers
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 minimizes errors in wheel alignment, prevents equipment damage, and reduces the number of work processes by automatically aligning the steering wheel, eliminating the need for cables and minimizing residual torque-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
an angle sensor configured to sense an inclination of the steering wheel
Implementation Method 2
a communication unit configured to wirelessly transmit an angle measured by the angle sensor to a controller
Implementation Method 3
a motor driven power steering (MDPS) apparatus... a motor rotates a steering shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for auto-leveling a steering wheel include an angle sensor configured to sense an inclination of the steering wheel; and a communication unit configured to wirelessly transmit an angle measured by the angle sensor to a controller controlling a driving of a motor driven power steering (MDPS).