Chain-Driven Steering Angle Sensor Reducing Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering angle sensors (SAS) face issues with precision, sensitivity to temperature changes, and noise emission due to direct engagement of plastic gears, which leads to deformation and increased radial stresses and slip friction.
Innovation Solution
A chain-driven steering angle sensor with a gear assembly, timing-chain, rollers, and chain guides, where the timing-chain is made of rubber or neoprene reinforced materials and rollers are of plastic, ensuring tangential contact and minimizing radial stresses and noise, while the toothed structure on the hub and magnetic gears maintains constant engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If direct engagement of plastic gears is used in the sensor, then the structure is simple, but deformation occurs, generating noise and increasing radial stresses and slip friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timing chain as an intermediary element between the drive gear and the magnetic gears, eliminating direct contact between plastic gear components. The timing chain transmits rotational motion without the sliding friction and deformation associated with direct plastic gear engagement, thereby reducing noise and radial stresses while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If direct engagement of plastic gears is used in the sensor, then the structure is simple, but precision decreases due to deformation and temperature sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The timing chain serves as a mediator that transmits rotational motion from the drive gear to the magnetic gears without the deformation and slip associated with direct plastic gear contact. This intermediary mechanism maintains precise rotational transmission across varying temperatures, thereby preserving measurement precision while keeping the overall structure simple.
3Strength
If chain-driven transmission with physical axis of rotation is used, then radial forces are supported, but radial stresses and slip friction of the chain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional chain-driven transmission with physical axes of rotation with a magnetic gear system. The magnetic gears transmit torque through magnetic field interaction rather than mechanical contact, eliminating slip friction and radial stresses on chain components while still supporting the necessary radial forces through the magnetic coupling between the drive gear and magnetic gears.
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 provides higher precision, reduced temperature sensitivity, and lower noise levels by eliminating direct gear contact and utilizing elastic materials to absorb deformation, resulting in improved force transmission and reduced friction.
Implementation Method 1
the timing-chain is of a rubber material... the timing-chain is of a neoprene material, reinforced with glass fiber, polyester and aramid... rollers are made of polyurethane
Implementation Method 2
at least two magnetic gears; A timing-chain, coupling the hub and the at least two magnetic gears... Both the hub and the magnetic gears are provided with toothed structure in its surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present application discloses a chain-driven steering angle sensor, developed with the purpose of solving the problems associated to state of the art steering angle sensors, related either to precision throughout the lifespan of the sensor, sensitivity to temperature changes, and noise emission levels. The sensor is based on a chain-driven transmission mechanism, composed of a gear assembly formed by a hub (1), that is coupled to a rotatable component, and at least two magnetic gears (2), a set of rollers (3) and a timing-chain (4). A housing (6) and a cover enclose the sensor, comprising both elements, in its inner sides, chain guides (5) used to avoid the timing-chain (4) displacement from the hub (1) and from the magnetic gears (2).