Handwheel Actuator Interface With Compressive Torsion Coupling
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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 potential compatibility issues and limited flexibility in vehicle design.
Innovation Solution
A handwheel actuator system with a compressive loading assembly and a feedback actuator, where the column shaft is operably coupled to the feedback actuator under a compressive load, providing tactile feedback and enabling modular design with standardized interfaces between the column and feedback actuator components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manufacturers integrate electrical or electro-mechanical components in steer by wire systems with custom-designed interfaces, then they can optimize performance for specific vehicle models, but compatibility issues arise and design flexibility is limited across different vehicle models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface design where the column and feedback actuator are designed with standardized coupling mechanisms that can be used across multiple vehicle models and applications. The interface includes standardized mechanical coupling elements, electrical connectors, and mounting features that enable the same feedback actuator assembly to be installed on different steering columns and vehicle platforms, thereby achieving both reliability through compatibility and adaptability through broad applicability
2Reliability
If manufacturers design custom interfaces for feedback actuators, then they can achieve optimal performance, but the complexity of integration and servicing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interface functions into a single integrated feedback actuator assembly. The mechanical coupling, electrical connections, mounting features, and alignment mechanisms are merged into one pre-assembled unit that attaches to the steering column as a single module. This reduces interface complexity by eliminating the need to separately manage multiple connection types while maintaining robust connections through the integrated design
3Ease of manufacture
If feedback actuators are designed as integrated units, then servicing becomes more difficult, but modular design with standardized interfaces enables separate sourcing and servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steering system into distinct modular components: the steering column, the feedback actuator assembly, and the handwheel assembly. The feedback actuator is designed as a self-contained module with its own motor, torsion bar, sensors, and coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows the feedback actuator to be sourced, serviced, or replaced independently from the column, simplifying repair operations and enabling specialized servicing of each module without requiring disassembly of the entire steering system
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 solution ensures a robust connection between the column and feedback actuator, allowing for separate sourcing and servicing while maintaining compatibility across different vehicle models, enhancing design flexibility and serviceability.
Implementation Method 1
The compressive loading assembly may be disposed at the second end of the column to operably couple the column shaft and the torsion bar under a compressive load when the column is joined to the feedback actuator
Implementation Method 2
The feedback actuator may include a torsion bar substantially coaxial with the column shaft
Implementation Method 3
The feedback actuator may provide tactile feedback to an operator responsive to movement of the handwheel
Data Source
AI summary
A handwheel actuator for a steer by wire system may include a compressive loading assembly, a feedback actuator and a column for operably coupling a handwheel to the handwheel actuator. The column may operably couple a handwheel to the handwheel actuator. The column may include a column shaft extending from a first end of the column to a second end of the column. The feedback actuator may be operably coupled to the second end of the column. The feedback actuator may provide tactile feedback to an operator responsive to movement of the handwheel. The feedback actuator may include a torsion bar substantially coaxial with the column shaft. The compressive loading assembly may be disposed at the second end of the column to operably couple the column shaft and the torsion bar under a compressive load when the column is joined to the feedback actuator.