Steering Feedback Actuator Pulley Layout for Reduced Column Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steer-by-wire systems in motor vehicles lack mechanical feedback, making it difficult for drivers to grasp current driving situations and impairing vehicle steerability and driving safety due to the absence of haptic feedback.
Innovation Solution
A compact belt-driven feedback actuator design with coaxially or angularly arranged pulleys, allowing for a slim design that optimally utilizes the axial space in the steering column, enabling efficient torque transmission with minimal radial construction volume, and incorporating an inclined belt drive for reduced radial installation space and enhanced torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a belt drive with radially arranged pulleys is used for torque transmission, then smooth operation and low weight are achieved, but a large installation volume is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a radial arrangement of pulleys (extending outward from the longitudinal axis) to an axial arrangement (stacked along the longitudinal axis). This dimensional reorganization allows the belt drive to utilize the longitudinal space within the steering column rather than requiring radial space, thereby reducing the installation volume while maintaining the weight advantages of belt drive technology.
2Ease of manufacture
If a belt drive with radially arranged pulleys is used for torque transmission, then smooth operation and low weight are achieved, but the structural integration into steering column is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
By reconfiguring the pulley arrangement from radial to axial, the patent enables the belt drive components to be stacked vertically along the longitudinal axis of the steering column. This allows for compact integration within the limited space of the steering column housing, improving ease of manufacture and assembly while reducing the overall installation volume.
3Reliability
If conventional mechanical steering systems are used, then direct physical feedback is provided, but mechanical coupling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical coupling of conventional steering systems with an electric motor-driven belt drive system. The electric motor generates feedback torque that is transmitted through the belt drive to the steering shaft, providing haptic feedback to the driver without requiring direct mechanical coupling between the wheels and steering wheel. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable driver feedback.
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 solution provides a compact, lightweight, and low-noise feedback actuator that enhances driver feedback, improving steerability and safety by mimicking the haptic responses of conventional mechanical steering systems while maintaining the advantages of belt drives such as smooth operation and low weight.
Implementation Method 1
a belt drive, which has at least one pair of pulleys with two pulleys wrapped by a belt
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a feedback actuator (7) for a steering device of a motor vehicle, comprising a steering shaft (4) which is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis (L) extending in the longitudinal direction and which is coupled so as to be driveable in rotation to the motor shaft (72) of an electric motor (71) via a belt drive (8, 9) which has at least one belt pulley pair with two belt pulleys (81, 82, 91, 92), around which a belt (83, 93) is looped and of which one is operatively connected to the motor shaft (72) and one is operatively connected to the steering shaft (4). In order to enable an optimized design with a smaller construction volume, the invention proposes that the two belt pulleys (81, 82, 91, 92) of the belt pulley pair are arranged coaxially with each other or at an angle to each other.