Dynamic Steering Assembly Coupling for Versatile Wheel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering assemblies for vehicles lack versatility in adjusting to different driving scenarios while maintaining reasonable costs.
Innovation Solution
A steering assembly with independent and interconnected steering actuators, allowing for adjustable relative steering angles and redundancy through a connection arrangement that enables independent movement within a predetermined range and transfers movement outside this range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a steering assembly uses multiple steering actuators with fixed mechanical coupling to control multiple wheels, then the steering system provides stable and reliable wheel control, but the system lacks versatility to adjust to different driving scenarios and requires high costs for additional steering arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arrangement between the first and second steering actuators is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. It allows the actuators to move independently when the relative movement parameter is within the predetermined range, and only couples them when the parameter exceeds this range. This dynamic coupling enables the system to adapt to different driving scenarios without requiring multiple fixed steering arrangements, thereby improving versatility while controlling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection arrangement serves multiple functions: it allows independent actuator movement for versatility, transfers movement for coordinated steering when needed, and provides redundancy by enabling one actuator to compensate for the other's failure. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Reliability
If a steering assembly uses independent steering actuators for each wheel to provide redundancy and adjustability, then the system achieves high versatility and fault tolerance, but the cost and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple steering actuators through the connection arrangement, which enables them to work independently or cooperatively as needed. This combining approach provides redundancy and reliability without requiring completely separate steering systems for each wheel, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic connection arrangement allows the system to switch between coupled and uncoupled states based on operational needs. This dynamic behavior enables the system to provide redundancy when required while avoiding the constant complexity of fully independent actuator systems, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a steering assembly allows independent movement of steering actuators within a predetermined range, then the system can adjust to different driving scenarios, but the control precision and coordination between actuators may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the steering actuators dynamically. When independent movement is allowed within the predetermined range, the actuators can adapt to different driving scenarios. When precise coordination is needed, the connection arrangement transfers movement to ensure synchronized operation, thus maintaining precision while preserving adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a steering assembly (22) for a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises a first (14), a second (16), a third (18) and a fourth wheel (20). The steering assembly (22) comprises a first steering actuator (24) comprising a first actuating member (26) and a second steering actuator (28) comprising a second actuating member (30). The first actuating member (26) is connected to, and thereby being adapted to control the steering angle of, each one of the first wheel (14) and the second wheel (16). The second actuating member (30) is connected to, and thereby being adapted to control the steering angle of, each one of the third wheel (18) and the fourth wheel (20). The steering assembly (22) comprises a connection arrangement (32). The first and second steering actuators (24, 28) are connected to each other via the connection arrangement (32) such that: - the connection arrangement (32) allows that the first actuating member (26) and the second actuating member (30) move independently of each other when a relative movement parameter, indicative of an amount of relative movement between the first actuating member (26) and the second actuating member (30), is within a predetermined relative movement range and - the connection arrangement (32) transfers movement between the first actuating member (26) and the second actuating member (30) when the relative movement parameter is outside the predetermined relative movement range.