Electric Hydraulic Pump for Power Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic steering systems lack the capability to perform advanced features like park assist, lane keeping, and stability control due to their reliance on engine-powered pumps, which result in inefficient fluid flow rates varying with engine speed, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered hydraulic pump system with a motor that supplies pressurized fluid to a hydraulic assist power steering assembly, allowing independent control of fluid flow and pressure, enabling the system to provide enhanced steering assistance and support advanced features by adjusting pump speed based on vehicle conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an engine-powered pump is used in a hydraulic steering system, then the system can provide hydraulic assist, but the fluid flow rate varies with engine speed resulting in low flow rates during parking and high flow rates during highway driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the engine-powered mechanical pump with an electrically powered hydraulic pump. This substitution allows the pump to be controlled independently of engine speed, enabling variable fluid flow rates to be delivered to the steering gear based on actual steering needs rather than engine RPM. The electric motor can be controlled to provide appropriate flow rates during parking maneuvers, highway driving, and intermediate conditions.
2Reliability
If an engine-powered pump is used, then the steering system can operate, but it consumes vehicle power and fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the engine-driven pump with an electrically powered hydraulic pump. This allows the steering system to operate independently of the engine, consuming electrical energy from the vehicle's electrical system rather than mechanical energy from the engine. This substitution reduces direct fuel consumption associated with power steering operation while maintaining reliable steering assist capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hydraulic variable effort steering system is added to provide advanced features, then performance features improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically powered hydraulic pump serves multiple functions: it provides hydraulic fluid for power steering assist, enables variable flow rates for different driving conditions, and supports advanced features like park assist and lane keeping. By using a single electric pump that can be controlled to provide different flow rates, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate systems for each feature, thereby managing complexity.
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
The electric pump system reduces fuel and power consumption, enables efficient hydraulic assist maneuvers, and allows for features like park assist by optimizing fluid flow rates, enhancing steering ease and system capability.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump having an electric motor, the hydraulic pump configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
the hydraulic pump configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic assist power steering assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A power steering assist system includes a hydraulic assist power steering assembly configured to couple to a vehicle steering gear, and a hydraulic pump having an electric motor, the hydraulic pump configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic assist power steering assembly.