Dual Ball-Screw Steering for Independent Wheel Assist Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering systems for vehicles lack the ability to rapidly and independently provide steering assist forces to each wheel, which hampers the improvement of steering characteristics and operability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual electric steering mechanism system, comprising a first and second steering mechanism with ball nut steerings, motor actuators, and transmitting mechanisms, connected via a connection member to interlock their movements, allowing for independent control and arbitrary steering characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic pressure systems are used to provide steering assist force to multiple wheels, then the steering assist force can be provided, but the system complexity increases due to hydraulic pipes, pumps, and control valves
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into independent steering mechanisms for each wheel, with each mechanism having its own motor actuator and ball screw assembly. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex hydraulic piping and centralized control, allowing each wheel to be controlled independently while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic pressure system is replaced with an electric motor-driven ball screw mechanism. Each steering mechanism uses a motor actuator connected to a ball screw to convert rotational motion into linear motion for the tie rod, eliminating hydraulic pumps, valves, and fluid pressure systems while providing precise control.
2Force
If centralized hydraulic control is used for steering, then the steering assist can be provided, but the response speed to steering inputs is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the steering system into independent units with individual motor actuators for each wheel, the system can process steering inputs simultaneously across all wheels rather than sequentially through a centralized hydraulic system. This parallel architecture dramatically improves response speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Replacing the hydraulic control system with electric motor actuators eliminates the delays associated with hydraulic pressure buildup and fluid transmission. Electric motors can respond instantaneously to control signals, providing immediate steering assist force when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent steering mechanisms are provided for each wheel, then the steering characteristics can be improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is segmented into identical modular units, each comprising a motor actuator, ball screw, and tie rod connection. This modularity allows independent control of each wheel while using standardized components, achieving customized steering characteristics without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each steering mechanism is designed as a universal module that can be applied to any wheel position. The same motor actuator and ball screw assembly serve multiple functions: providing steering assist force, enabling rapid response, and allowing independent control for various steering modes (e.g., Ackermann steering, four-wheel independent steering).
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
This configuration enables improved steering characteristics by providing rapid and adjustable steering assist forces, enhancing the responsiveness and stability of the steering system, while eliminating the need for hydraulic systems, thus simplifying the setup.
Implementation Method 1
a first ball screw, and a first transmitting mechanism, the first output shaft being arranged to be rotated about a rotation axis of the first output shaft, the first ball screw being arranged to drive the first nut so that the first nut is moved in a direction of the rotation axis of the first output shaft in accordance with the rotation of the first output shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device includes: a first steering mechanism including a first ball nut steering, and a first motor actuator, the first ball nut steering including a first output shaft, a first ball screw, and a first transmitting mechanism, the first motor actuator arranged to provide a rotation force to the first output shaft, a second steering mechanism including a second ball nut steering, and a second motor actuator, the second ball nut steering including a second output shaft, a second ball screw, and a second transmitting mechanism, the second motor actuator arranged to provide a rotation force to the second output shaft, a connection member arranged to connect the first transmitting mechanism and the second transmitting mechanism so as to interlock a movement of the first transmitting mechanism and a movement of the second transmitting mechanism.