Hybrid Vehicle Steering with Pneumatic Hydraulic Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid steering systems in heavy-duty vehicles face issues with continuous operation of the hydraulic system, leading to energy consumption and potential damage from pressure peaks due to road surface defects, despite the auxiliary power source being sufficient for steering assistance.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid steering system incorporating a mechanical linkage, a steering assister, a hydraulic system, and a pneumatic system, allowing the hydraulic system to be safely deactivated by pressurizing it with a pneumatic system, a pneumatic system, connected to the hydraulic system, to maintain hydraulic pressure, and a pneumatic system, connected to the hydraulic system and configured to pressurize the hydraulic system when it is in the disabled configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydraulic system operates continuously to maintain pressure, then the hydraulic components are protected from damage, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pump operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates the pump only when the hydraulic system pressure falls below a threshold value, allowing the system to maintain adequate pressure while reducing energy consumption significantly compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure sensor continuously monitors the hydraulic system pressure and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit intelligently decides when to activate or deactivate the hydraulic pump, optimizing the balance between system protection and energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the hydraulic system is deactivated to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the system becomes vulnerable to pressure peaks from road defects
Solution Approach 1:
Before completely deactivating the hydraulic system, the control unit monitors road conditions through sensors. When potential defects are detected, the system prepares by maintaining higher pressure or pre-activating the pump, so that when the vehicle encounters road defects, the hydraulic system is already in a protective state against pressure peaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses accumulators or shock-absorbing hydraulic components that are pre-charged with pressure. These components act as cushions that absorb sudden pressure peaks from road defects even when the main hydraulic pump is deactivated, protecting the hydraulic components from damage.
3Ease of operation
If the auxiliary power source is used for steering assistance, then precise control is achieved, but the hydraulic system cannot protect against pressure peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the auxiliary power source (electric motor) with the hydraulic system to create a hybrid steering system. The electric motor provides precise steering assistance while the hydraulic system, controlled by the pressure sensor and control unit, independently maintains pressure and protects against peaks, combining the advantages of both systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system serves multiple functions: it provides steering assistance torque and simultaneously acts as a protective system against pressure peaks from road defects. The control unit coordinates both functions, ensuring that the hydraulic pump operates to maintain pressure for protection while the auxiliary power source handles 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 reduces energy consumption by safely deactivating the hydraulic system when not in use, protecting its components from pressure peaks and maintaining hydraulic pressure, while providing precise control over steering assistance.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic system, connected to the hydraulic system and configured to pressurize the hydraulic system when it is in the disabled configuration
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A hybrid steering system (20) for a vehicle (10), comprises: - a mechanical linkage (22), configured to connect a steering wheel (12) of the vehicle to steerable wheels (14) of the vehicle; - a steering assister (30), connected to the mechanical linkage and configured to apply a first torque to the mechanical linkage to assist steering of the steerable wheels; - a hydraulic system (40), distinct from the steering assister, connected to the mechanical linkage and commutable between an activated configuration, in which the hydraulic system applies a second torque to the mechanical linkage to assist steering of the steerable wheels, and a disabled configuration, in which the hydraulic system does not apply the second torque to the mechanical linkage; and - a pneumatic system (50), connected to the hydraulic system and configured to pressurize the hydraulic system when the hydraulic system is in the disabled configuration.