Handwheel Actuator Modular Interface for Steer-by-Wire Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of electrical or electro-mechanical components in steer by wire systems poses challenges for manufacturers in defining standard interfaces between components, leading to compatibility issues across different vehicle models and manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A handwheel actuator for steer by wire systems is designed with a feedback actuator and a column, featuring a torsion bar and sleeve element for torque transfer, along with standardized column-actuator interfaces that allow for separate sourcing and servicing of components, ensuring robust connections and flexibility in vehicle design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If electrical or electro-mechanical components are integrated to perform vehicle functions previously performed using mechanical linkages, then vehicle weight is reduced and ease of servicing is improved, but design and integration challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into separate functional modules: a column module containing the column shaft and bearings, and a feedback actuator module containing the motor and torsion bar. These modules connect through a standardized interface, allowing independent design, manufacturing, and servicing of each module while reducing overall system complexity despite the electro-mechanical integration benefits
2Adaptability or versatility
If new components are integrated into steer by wire systems, then vehicle functions are improved, but compatibility issues across different vehicle models and manufacturers arise
Solution Approach 1:
A universal standardized interface is defined between the column module and feedback actuator module, featuring standardized mechanical coupling elements and torque transfer mechanisms. This universal interface enables different manufacturers' components to be compatible across various vehicle models, ensuring reliable integration while maintaining the ability to perform multiple steering control functions
3Ease of repair
If components are designed for separate sourcing and servicing, then ease of servicing is improved, but interface standardization challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independently serviceable modules connected by a standardized interface that includes mechanical coupling elements, torque transfer features, and alignment mechanisms. This segmentation allows individual modules to be sourced and serviced separately while the standardized interface ensures reliable reassembly and compatibility, reducing servicing complexity despite the modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interface acts as an intermediary between the column module and feedback actuator module, providing predetermined mechanical coupling and torque transfer capabilities. This intermediary structure simplifies the connection process and ensures compatibility without requiring complex customization for each module pairing
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 enables reliable integration of components across various vehicle models, providing tactile feedback and flexibility in steering ratios and torque resistances, while allowing for separate servicing and replacement of modules, thus enhancing vehicle design and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The torsion bar may be operably coupled to a sleeve element that is operably coupled to the column shaft proximate to the second column shaft bearing to facilitate torque transfer between the column shaft and the torsion bar
Implementation Method 2
The column shaft may be supported relative to a housing of the column by a first column shaft bearing disposed proximate to the first end of the column and a second column shaft bearing disposed proximate to the second end of the column
Data Source
AI summary
A handwheel actuator for a steer by wire system may include a feedback actuator and a column for operably coupling a handwheel to the handwheel actuator. The column includes a column shaft extending from a first end of the column to a second end of the column. The feedback actuator is operably coupled to the second end of the column and provides tactile feedback to an operator responsive to movement of the handwheel. The feedback actuator includes a torsion bar coaxial with the column shaft. The column shaft is supported relative to a housing of the column by a first column shaft bearing disposed proximate to the first end of the column and a second column shaft bearing disposed proximate to the second end of the column. The torsion bar is operably coupled to a sleeve element that is operably coupled to the column shaft proximate to the second column shaft bearing to facilitate torque transfer between the column shaft and the torsion bar.