Forklift Steering Actuator Assembly for Low-Deflection Ball Screw Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic steering systems in vehicles are inefficient due to power losses, low resolution, and require frequent maintenance, while existing electric actuators lack durability and compactness.
Innovation Solution
An electric actuator system with a linear actuation unit, electric motor, and housing assembly, featuring a ball screw nut and bushings to minimize deflection and provide fixed end moments, ensuring reliable and compact operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic systems are used for steering, then reliability and durability are improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to power losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electric actuator system that uses an electric motor coupled to a ball screw mechanism. This substitution eliminates hydraulic fluid power losses while maintaining steering reliability through direct electric actuation of the actuator rod that connects to the steering linkage.
2Reliability
If hydraulic systems are used for steering, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple hydraulic components (motor, valves, actuators, fluid lines) into a single integrated electric actuator assembly. The electric motor, ball screw nut, actuator rod, and housing are combined into one compact unit, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining durability through unified construction.
3Loss of energy
If electric actuators are used for steering, then energy efficiency is improved, but durability deteriorates compared to hydraulic actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the electric actuator by implementing a ball screw mechanism with recirculating balls that maintains continuous contact between the actuator rod and nut. This parameter change in the mechanical engagement system enhances durability while preserving the energy efficiency benefits of electric actuation.
4Volume of moving object
If electric actuators are used for steering, then compactness is improved, but deflection increases reducing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structural approach by combining the ball screw mechanism with a specifically designed actuator rod that has optimized material properties and cross-sectional geometry. The rod is engineered as a composite structure that resists bending and twisting deflections while maintaining compact dimensions, ensuring precise steering control.
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 system enhances durability and efficiency by minimizing deflection and maintaining contact angles, allowing for greater turning angles and reduced maintenance, while being compact and reliable.
Implementation Method 1
The linear actuation unit includes an actuator rod and a ball screw nut. The ball screw nut is arranged circumferentially around the actuator rod. The electric motor is coupled with the ball screw nut and configured to rotate the ball screw nut about the axis and cause the actuator rod to translate axially relative to the ball screw nut.
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of bushings includes a first bushing, a second bushing, a third bushing, and a fourth bushing. The first bushing and the second bushing are located axially on a first side of the ball screw nut. The third bushing and the fourth bushing are located axially on a second side of the ball screw nut.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric actuator for a steering system is adapted to control an angle of steered wheels on a vehicle to adjust a direction of travel of the vehicle. The electric actuator includes a housing assembly, an electric motor, and an actuation unit. The housing assembly is arranged around the electric motor and the electric motor is coupled with the actuation unit and configured to cause an actuator rod of the actuation unit to move relative to the housing assembly.