Distributed Electric Steering Knuckle Control via Motor Substitution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle steering systems, such as HPS, EHPS, and EPS, lack the ability to provide rapid and flexible steering, occupy large space, and are prone to damage in collisions due to mechanical connections and complex force transfer links.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle steering control system that includes a steering wheel, a steering control component, rotation detecting components, and wheel steering mechanisms, where the steering control component controls the rotation of the steering knuckle and applies resistance torque via motors, eliminating mechanical connections and allowing for precise and flexible steering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If mechanical steering systems with power assist (HPS, EHPS, EPS) are used to increase steering assist power, then steering force is improved, but the steering execution process becomes longer and the system occupies larger space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering assist powerVSAvoidsteering execution process length
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical power assist system (motors, gearboxes, linkages) with a direct electric motor at each wheel that receives electronic control signals. This substitution eliminates the long mechanical force transfer path while maintaining or improving steering assist capability, as the electric motor directly drives the wheel without intermediate mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the centralized power assist system into independent modular units - individual electric motors mounted at each wheel. This segmentation allows each wheel to be controlled independently and eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages that would connect all wheels through a single power source, thereby reducing overall system complexity and space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If mechanical steering systems with multiple transfer links are used to provide power assist, then steering force is improved, but the steering response speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering assist powerVSAvoidsteering response speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical force transfer linkages with electronic signal transmission and direct electric motor actuation. Electronic signals travel much faster than mechanical force propagation through linkages, and the direct motor-to-wheel connection eliminates the time delay inherent in mechanical power transmission, thereby significantly improving steering response speed while maintaining assist power capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If traditional mechanical steering systems are used, then steering assist is provided, but the system occupies large space and causes relatively large damage in collisions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering assist powerVSAvoidcollision damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces extensive mechanical linkages, hoses, and mounting structures with compact electric motors and electronic control units. This substitution dramatically reduces the physical space required for the steering system while also reducing the mass of mechanical components that could cause damage during collisions, thereby mitigating harmful factors without sacrificing steering assist performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Force

If centralized power assist systems are used, then steering force is improved, but the system structure becomes complex and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering assist powerVSAvoidsystem space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized power assist system into distributed independent electric motors at each wheel. This segmentation eliminates the need for long mechanical linkages, hydraulic hoses, or extensive mounting structures that would connect all wheels to a central power source, thereby dramatically reducing the space occupied by the steering system while maintaining the ability to provide assist force at each wheel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 rapid and flexible vehicle steering with reduced space occupation, improving safety and reducing the risk of damage by using electrical connections and motors to control steering and resistance torque, enhancing steering accuracy and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

The steering driving component comprises a first motor, wherein the housing of the first motor is fixed to the vehicle body of the vehicle, and the output shaft of the first motor is connected to the steering knuckle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the road sense simulator comprises a second motor, wherein the lower end of the steering wheel is connected to the output shaft of the second motor, and the steering wheel and the output shaft of the second motor rotate coaxially; the housing of the second motor is fixed to the vehicle body of the vehicle, and the output torque of the second motor is the resistance torque applied by the road sense simulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the first rotation detecting component is a photoelectric encoder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3620349A1Vehicle steering control system, vehicle and control method
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 CITIC DICASTAL CO LTD
  • EP3620349A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3620349A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3620349A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention discloses a vehicle steering control system, a vehicle and a control method. The vehicle steering control system comprise a steering wheel, a steering control component, a first rotation detecting component for detecting the rotation data of the steering wheel, and at least two wheel steering mechanisms; each wheel steering mechanism comprises a wheel axle, a steering knuckle and at least one steering driving component; the wheel axle is fixedly connected with the steering knuckle, and the wheel axle rotates horizontally with the horizontal rotation of the steering knuckle; the steering knuckle is connected with the steering driving component, and the steering knuckle rotates horizontally under the drive of the steering driving component.