Clutch Apparatus with Variable Backlash for Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle steering apparatus with a clutch mechanism experiences self-steer issues due to abrupt changes in turning force during stationary steering, affecting the driver's steering feeling.
Innovation Solution
A clutch apparatus with a mechanism that switches transmission and cutoff of rotating force between two shafts, utilizing a first and second engagement state to manage backlash and relative rotation, allowing for bidirectional rotation and assist control, thereby improving steering feeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the clutch mechanism is coupled during stationary steering to assist turning force, then the turning force is sufficient, but the steering feeling deteriorates due to self-steer occurrences
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism transitions from a static coupled state to a dynamically controllable state with variable backlash. The engagement portions can maintain different backlash amounts (first predetermined amount vs. second predetermined amount) based on rotational direction, allowing the system to adapt between force transmission and steering feel requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Different backlash characteristics are applied to different rotational directions. The clutch mechanism provides a first predetermined backlash amount for one rotation direction and a second predetermined backlash amount (greater than the first) for the other direction, creating asymmetric local qualities that resolve the contradiction between force assistance and steering feel
2Ease of operation
If the clutch mechanism allows relative rotation to prevent self-steer, then the steering feeling improves, but the turning force transmission becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism dynamically adjusts its engagement state based on operational requirements. By switching between different backlash amounts (first predetermined amount for force transmission, second predetermined amount for steering feel), the system maintains both sufficient turning force and improved steering feeling under different conditions
3Force
If the clutch mechanism is designed with small backlash for force transmission, then the turning force is sufficient, but the self-steer phenomenon occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism implements different backlash characteristics for different rotational directions. By providing a first predetermined backlash amount for force transmission and a second predetermined backlash amount (greater than the first) for the other direction, the system eliminates self-steer phenomena while maintaining sufficient turning force transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch apparatus is configured such that a first mode, a second mode and a third can be switched among these three modes. In the first mode, the rotating force is not transmitted between the steering-wheel-side housing and the tire-side housing. In the second mode, the steering-wheel-side housing and the tire-side housing are being mutually locked in place and, in this locked state, the rotating force can be transmitted to for the rotation in the both directions. In the third mode, the transmission of the rotating force can be canceled such that while the rotating force can be transmitted, between the steering-wheel-side housing and the tire-side housing, relative to the rotation in one direction, the rotation of either the steering-wheel-side housing or the tire-side housing in the other direction is allowed.