Modular Drive-by-Wire Steering and Braking Cabin Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle designs, particularly for electric vehicles, continue to incorporate mechanical linkages and bulky components, limiting adaptability, occupant placement, and increasing maintenance costs, while failing to leverage the potential of electric vehicle platforms for modular and adaptable control systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular vehicle control system that integrates steering and braking systems within a single form factor, utilizing electronic connections to eliminate mechanical linkages, allowing for adaptable positioning and reduced maintenance, and incorporating a self-contained platform with electronic control actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical linkages are used to connect steering and braking systems, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkages with electronic control systems. The steering system uses an electromechanical steering actuator with a motor assembly that receives steering input signals electronically, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages between the steering wheel and wheels. Similarly, the braking system uses an electromechanical braking actuator that receives braking signals electronically, replacing traditional mechanical brake linkages. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining control functionality through electronic communication between control devices and actuators.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional vehicle layouts are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability and packaging efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle control systems into separate modular units: a steering system module containing the steering actuator and related components, and a braking system module containing the braking actuator and related components. Each module can be independently manufactured, tested, and installed. The steering actuator is positioned in a first location within the vehicle cabin, while the braking actuator is positioned in a second location, allowing flexible packaging arrangements that adapt to different vehicle platform requirements without requiring complete redesign of the entire control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal mounting structures and support mechanisms that can accommodate both the steering actuator and braking actuator in various configurations. The mounting structure includes a support member with mounting points that can secure actuators in different positions and orientations. This universal design allows the same basic platform to be adapted for different vehicle types and configurations, improving versatility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control systems are distributed throughout the vehicle, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steering control functions and braking control functions into a unified electromechanical control architecture. Both the steering actuator and braking actuator use similar electromechanical principles with motors, sensors, and electronic control units that can communicate through a common electronic network. This merging of control philosophies and communication protocols reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the adaptability benefits of distributed actuator placement throughout the vehicle cabin.
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
Enhances vehicle adaptability, reduces maintenance costs, and improves packaging efficiency by enabling flexible placement of control systems within the cabin, while ensuring safety through redundant electronic connections.
Implementation Method 1
a steering device electromechanically connected to a steering feedback actuator where the actuator is configured to receive input signals from the steering device and translate input signals into a series of output signals
Implementation Method 2
a braking actuator that receives an input signal from the input device that corresponds to the movement of the input device and wherein the braking actuator electromechanically activates one or more braking components
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric vehicle with vehicle control systems that are packaged within a specific form factor for improved modularity within the vehicle compartment. Many embodiments incorporate both the steering and braking systems within the said form factor and such systems are connected to other systems of the vehicle by way of electrical connections, thereby controlling the movement of the vehicle in a drive by wire system.