Cooperative Steering With Steering Wheel Lock for Autonomous Driving

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydraulic steering systems in large vehicles like trucks and buses face challenges with insufficient steering assistance at low speeds and excessive assistance at high speeds, hindering safe driving and autonomous driving functionality, while electronic power steering systems struggle to provide sufficient power for these vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A cooperative steering apparatus that includes a drive motor and a speed reducer, allowing the steering wheel to be locked during autonomous driving, with a rotor that rotates independently of the input shaft to provide steering assistance, and a rotation locking mechanism to prevent wheel rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a hydraulic steering apparatus is used in large vehicles, then steering assistance power is sufficient, but hydraulic pressure becomes excessive at high speeds lightening handling and hindering safe driving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering assistance powerVSAvoidhandling of steering wheel

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the connection between the steering wheel and steering mechanism based on driving mode. In autonomous driving mode, the steering wheel is locked while the steering mechanism continues to rotate, allowing the driver to rest the arms on the steering wheel without it rotating, thus maintaining comfortable handling while enabling autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The steering system is segmented into independent rotational components: the steering wheel rotation is decoupled from the steering mechanism rotation through the locking mechanism. This allows the steering wheel to remain stationary while the steering mechanism rotates to change wheel direction, separating the driver interface from the steering actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Extent of automation

If the steering wheel rotates in synchronization with wheel direction changes during autonomous driving, then steering control is maintained, but driver space is reduced and driver cannot rest comfortably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous driving functionVSAvoiddriver comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the connection between the steering wheel and steering mechanism based on driving mode. In autonomous driving mode, the steering wheel is locked while the steering mechanism continues to rotate, allowing the driver to rest the arms on the steering wheel without it rotating, thus maintaining comfortable handling while enabling autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The steering system is segmented into independent rotational components: the steering wheel rotation is decoupled from the steering mechanism rotation through the locking mechanism. This allows the steering wheel to remain stationary while the steering mechanism rotates to change wheel direction, separating the driver interface from the steering actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If an electronic power steering apparatus is used, then autonomous driving control is precise, but steering assistance power is insufficient for large vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering angle control precisionVSAvoidsteering assistance power

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges hydraulic steering apparatus and electronic power steering apparatus into a cooperative system. The hydraulic apparatus provides the necessary steering assistance power for large vehicles, while the electronic apparatus provides precise control signals for autonomous driving, combining the advantages of both systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooperative steering apparatus serves multiple functions: it provides steering assistance power through the hydraulic apparatus, enables precise autonomous control through the electronic apparatus, and supports both manual and autonomous driving modes through the locking mechanism that can lock or unlock the steering wheel based on operating mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the addition of autonomous driving functions to large vehicles by preventing the steering wheel from rotating during direction changes, allowing for comfortable driver seating and easy accommodation of the steering wheel, enhancing safety and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a flex spline rotating as the input shaft rotates, a circular spline rotating as at least one of the wave generator and the flex spline rotates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12428052B2Cooperative steering apparatus and vehicle steering apparatus having the same

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD

AI summary

A cooperative steering apparatus including an input shaft rotating as a steering wheel of a vehicle rotates, a drive motor including a rotor that rotates independently of the input shaft, and a speed reducer including a wave generator rotating as the rotor rotates, a flex spline rotating as the input shaft rotates, a circular spline rotating as at least one of the wave generator and the flex spline rotates, and an output shaft rotating coaxially with the circular spline, wherein when the vehicle travels in an autonomous driving mode, the input shaft does not rotate, and only the rotor rotates so that the output shaft rotates.