Integrated Electric Steering Column for Compact Hydrostatic Assist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power steering devices for heavy vehicles, such as tractors and earth moving machines, require a compact design while maintaining functionality and ease of installation, especially when transitioning between hydrostatic steering systems and electrically assisted steering systems, particularly in scenarios where pressurized fluid is not available.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a steering column with a tiltable base and upper segment, an articulated steering axis, a hydrostatic steering assembly, and an electrically assisted steering apparatus with a support frame, annular rotor, and stator, allowing for precise control and compact longitudinal dimensions. The shaft is rotatably coupled to the support frame, and the base defines an articulated joint for tilting, enabling adjustable height and precise control of the steering wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the electric power steering device is designed to be compact in longitudinal direction, then the installation space is reduced and versatility is improved, but the assembly complexity increases and installation time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrically assisted steering apparatus and hydrostatic steering assembly into a single integrated unit with a common base. The support frame of the EPS and the housing of the hydrostatic assembly are combined, sharing mounting points and structural elements. This merging reduces the overall longitudinal dimension while consolidating functions into a compact package that installs as one unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nesting by placing the electric motor within the support frame structure, and positioning the hydrostatic steering components within the same base assembly. The shaft of the EPS passes through the central body, with the annular rotor and stator nested within the support frame. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and minimizes the longitudinal footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electric power steering device integrates multiple steering systems, then versatility for different vehicle models is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal base structure that serves both the electrically assisted steering apparatus and the hydrostatic steering assembly. The base includes standardized mounting features and a common shaft configuration that can accommodate different vehicle models. This multi-functional base allows the same integrated assembly to be installed across various vehicle platforms, reducing the need for model-specific customizations.
3Length of moving object
If the shaft is rotatably coupled directly to the support frame through a bearing, then the longitudinal dimension is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates self-aligning features in the bearing installation, where the bearing design and housing geometry automatically compensate for minor manufacturing variations. The direct coupling of the shaft to the support frame through the bearing includes built-in alignment mechanisms that reduce the need for high-precision manual adjustment during assembly, allowing the compact design to be manufactured and assembled with standard tolerances.
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 results in a compact, versatile, and easily installable electric power steering device that provides precise control and adaptability across different vehicle models, ensuring efficient operation even when pressurized fluid is not available, thereby addressing the need for a cost-effective and simple solution.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (95) comprising an annular rotor (950) constrained in rotation to the shaft (92) and an annular stator (951) that coaxially surrounds the annular rotor
Implementation Method 2
a hydrostatic steering assembly (80)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An electric power steering device (1) comprising: - a steering column (10) provided with: a base (20); an upper segment (50) connected in a tiltable manner to the base (20), a steering axis (70) comprising a lower axis (71) rotatably contained inside the base (20); - a hydrostatic steering assembly (80); - an electrically assisted steering apparatus (90, 90') axially interposed between the steering column (10) and the hydrostatic steering assembly (80) and provided with: a support frame (91) comprising a tubular central body (910); a shaft (92) whose upper end axially projects outside an upper end of the central body (910) and is connected to the lower end of the lower axis (71) and whose lower end is connected to the hydrostatic steering assembly (80); and an electric motor (95) positioned inside the central body (910) of the support frame (91); in which the upper end of the central body (910) is directly fixed to the base (20) and in contact therewith.