Electric Ball Nut Steering for Heavy-Vehicle Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems for commercial vehicles, such as heavy trucks, face inefficiencies in torque transmission and control, particularly in turning steerable wheels, which can lead to increased effort and reduced maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a rotatable shaft with a ball nut assembly and an electric motor, connected through a gear system and sensors, to enhance torque transmission and control the steering member, allowing for efficient axial movement of steerable wheels based on sensed vehicle conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a traditional mechanical steering system is used in commercial vehicles, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the torque transmission efficiency is insufficient and steering maneuverability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a traditional mechanical steering system with an electric motor to form a hybrid steering system. The electric motor integrates with the existing mechanical components (steering column, rack and pinion) to provide additional torque assistance, thereby improving torque transmission efficiency while maintaining the overall structural framework of the traditional system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors (torque sensor, position sensor) as intermediary elements between the driver's steering input and the mechanical steering components. These sensors detect steering torque and position, then transmit this information to a control unit that modulates the electric motor's output, creating an intermediary control layer that enhances torque transmission without directly modifying the core mechanical structure.
2Ease of operation
If an electric motor is added to assist steering, then torque and control precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor is designed to serve multiple functions: providing torque assistance during steering operations, compensating for road disturbances, and enabling automated steering modes. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive steering enhancement across various operating conditions rather than addressing a single limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor steering torque, wheel position, and vehicle speed, then feed this information back to a control unit. The control unit adjusts the electric motor's output in real-time based on this feedback, enabling precise control and adaptive steering assistance that reduces the perceived complexity through intelligent regulation rather than mechanical complexity.
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
This solution improves the efficiency and ease of turning steerable wheels by increasing torque and enabling precise control through the use of sensors and an electric motor, enhancing the overall steering performance of commercial vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A ball nut assembly is connected with an externally threaded portion of the rotatable shaft. The ball nut assembly moves axially relative to the rotatable shaft upon rotation of the rotatable shaft relative to the ball nut assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a rotatable shaft that is rotatable relative to the vehicle to effect turning movement of the steerable vehicle wheels. A ball nut assembly is connected with an externally threaded portion of the rotatable shaft. The ball nut assembly moves axially relative to the rotatable shaft upon rotation of the rotatable shaft relative to the ball nut assembly. A steering member is connected to the ball nut assembly and at least one steerable vehicle wheel. The steering member moves with the ball nut assembly relative to the shaft. An electrical motor is connected with the rotatable shaft. The motor is operable to effect rotation of the rotatable shaft relative to the ball nut assembly to turn the steerable vehicle wheels.