Autonomous Vehicle Steering Layout for Diagonal Driving and Zero Turns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-wheel systems for autonomous vehicles are limited in efficiency when responding to various driving environments, primarily due to their performance being restricted to left or right turns, lacking the capability to handle diagonal driving and zero turns effectively.
Innovation Solution
A steering system for autonomous vehicles that includes front and rear wheel modules with independent motor control, a longitudinal axis module, and a controller to manage the rotation powers of these motors, enabling all-wheel steering, diagonal driving, and zero turns by utilizing rack and pinion mechanisms and ball screws to adjust wheel angles and positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional in-wheel systems are used for autonomous vehicles, then the vehicle can perform left or right turns, but the system lacks the capability to handle diagonal driving and zero turns effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into independent front wheel module and rear wheel module, each with its own motor control. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently, enabling complex maneuvers like diagonal driving and zero turns by coordinating the actions of front and rear wheels separately, thereby improving adaptability without requiring a completely different system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the traditional two-dimensional steering control (left-right turns) to three-dimensional control by adding longitudinal axis module control that adjusts the angle between front and rear wheel modules. This dimensional expansion enables diagonal driving and zero turns, significantly enhancing driving capability versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent motor control for each wheel is implemented, then all-directional steering is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the first motor for front wheel steering, the second motor for rear wheel steering, and the third motor for longitudinal axis adjustment. By making the controller universal and capable of managing all three motors, the system achieves complex multi-directional steering capabilities while avoiding the need for separate control systems for each motor, thereby balancing steering flexibility with control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple motors into a single integrated controller. Instead of having separate control systems for the front wheel motor, rear wheel motor, and longitudinal axis motor, all three are managed by one controller that coordinates their operations to achieve various driving modes including diagonal driving and zero turns.
3Manufacturing precision
If rack and pinion mechanisms are used for wheel steering, then steering precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack and pinion steering mechanism is implemented separately in the front wheel module and rear wheel module. Each module has its own rack and pinion system controlled by its respective motor, allowing independent precision steering control of front and rear wheels. This segmented approach enables high steering precision while maintaining modular architecture that simplifies overall system management.
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 system allows autonomous vehicles to navigate various driving environments, including tight spaces and changing curvatures, by enabling all-directional steering, reducing collision risks, and optimizing turning radii, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A steering system for autonomous vehicles that includes front and rear wheel modules with independent motor control, a longitudinal axis module, and a controller to manage the rotation powers of these motors, enabling all-wheel steering, diagonal driving, and zero turns by utilizing rack and pinion mechanisms and ball screws to adjust wheel angles and positions.
Implementation Method 2
A steering system for autonomous vehicles that includes front and rear wheel modules with independent motor control, a longitudinal axis module, and a controller to manage the rotation powers of these motors, enabling all-wheel steering, diagonal driving, and zero turns by utilizing rack and pinion mechanisms and ball screws to adjust wheel angles and positions.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a steering system installed in an autonomous vehicle including a front wheel module configured to steer front wheels of the autonomous vehicle using a first motor, a rear wheel module configured to steer rear wheels of the autonomous vehicle using a second motor, a longitudinal axis module connecting the front wheel module to the rear wheel module and configured to steer each of the front wheel and the rear wheel of the autonomous vehicle inward using a third motor, and a controller configured to control a driving motor for providing a rotation power to the first to third motors and at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels.