Clutch-Coupled Steering Gears for Flexible Ackermann Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering systems with a mechanical coupling between inner and outer wheels limit steering angle flexibility and increase costs due to high control precision requirements for independent steering technologies, necessitating complex hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
A steering mechanism using a clutch to connect first and second steering gears, allowing mechanical coupling or decoupling, reduces the need for precise control by enabling direct mechanical cooperation between gears, thus lowering costs and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If independent steering technology is used to decouple mechanical structure between inner-side wheel and outer-side wheel, then steering angle flexibility is improved, but control precision requirements increase and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into two independent steering mechanisms: a first steering mechanism for the inner-side wheel and a second steering mechanism for the outer-side wheel. Each mechanism operates independently without mechanical coupling, allowing flexible steering angle control for each wheel separately, thus improving steering angle flexibility while avoiding complex coordination control requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the steering angles of inner-side and outer-side wheels independently through separate driving apparatuses. The independent steering mechanisms can adaptively control each wheel's steering angle based on real-time driving conditions, achieving high flexibility without requiring high precision coordination between wheels
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent steering technology is used with separate steering mechanisms for inner-side wheel and outer-side wheel, then steering angle flexibility is improved, but costs increase due to high control precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the steering system into independent modules (first steering mechanism and second steering mechanism), each module can be manufactured and calibrated separately using standard production processes. This reduces the need for expensive custom high-precision coordination systems while maintaining flexible steering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical or similar steering mechanism structures for both inner-side and outer-side wheels. This standardized design allows for mass production and reduces manufacturing costs, while the independent operation of each copied module provides the necessary steering flexibility
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical coupling structure is used between steering gears, then control precision requirements are reduced, but steering angle flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely segments the mechanical coupling between steering gears by introducing a clutch mechanism that can disconnect the two steering mechanisms. This allows each steering mechanism to operate independently, providing flexible steering angle control while using simple, low-precision mechanical components
4Device complexity
If clutch is used to connect first steering gear and second steering gear, then system structure is simplified and costs are reduced, but control over steering force transmission is needed
Solution Approach 1:
A clutch is introduced as an intermediary component between the first steering gear and the second steering gear. This clutch can be engaged or disengaged to control the transmission of steering force, providing a simple mechanical means to switch between coupled and decoupled states without complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism provides automatic engagement and disengagement based on steering conditions, reducing the need for active control. The mechanical design allows the clutch to self-regulate the connection state between steering gears, simplifying both structure and control
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 reduces the need for precise control mechanisms, lowers costs, and simplifies the steering system structure while maintaining the Ackermann steering geometric relationship, enhancing redundancy and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the first steering gear and the second steering gear are connected by using a first clutch
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a steering mechanism, a steering system, a vehicle, and a control method. Solutions of this application may be used in an intelligent vehicle, a network connected vehicle, a new-energy vehicle, or a self-driving vehicle. In the steering mechanism, a first steering gear 110 and a second steering gear 120 are connected by using a first clutch 130, and a status of the first clutch 130 is controlled to control whether driving force is transmitted between the first steering gear 110 and the second steering gear 120. In this way, when steering gears corresponding to wheels need to cooperate with each other, the first clutch 130 may be directly controlled to be in an engaged state, so that the steering gears corresponding to the wheels cooperate with each other by using a mechanical structure between the steering gears. In this way, a requirement for control precision of the steering mechanism is reduced, and costs of the steering mechanism are reduced.