Redundant Hydraulic Steering Valve Layout for Backup Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic steering systems for vehicles lack redundancy and fail to provide a backup function, especially in autonomous steering, leading to potential safety issues when electrically actuated valves malfunction, and are often bulky and costly.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic steering system with a single unit incorporating two redundant hydraulic components and control devices, allowing independent operation and backup functionality, ensuring continued steering capability even if one component fails, and reducing size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-channel configuration with separate valve units is used to provide backup function, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate valve units into a single integrated valve body that contains both the first valve and second valve. This merging approach maintains the redundancy and backup function while reducing the overall number of separate components, simplifying the system structure and lowering costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve body serves multiple functions by housing both the first valve and second valve, allowing it to perform both primary steering control and backup steering control functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated backup valve units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valve units are used for direct and remote steering, then steering functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first valve and second valve into a single integrated valve body, reducing the number of separate valve units while maintaining the ability to perform both direct and remote steering functions through the combined valve structure.
3Reliability
If redundant hydraulic components are integrated in a single unit, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the first valve and second valve are housed within a single valve body, with the second valve positioned adjacent to and integrated with the first valve. This nesting approach allows redundant components to be manufactured as one unit while maintaining their independent functional capabilities.
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 provides reliable, redundant steering control, ensuring vehicle maneuverability even with component failures, while being compact and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic steering system (100) with a hydraulic steering unit (101) and steering mechanics (112) is proposed, wherein the hydraulic steering unit (101) comprises two redundant hydraulic components (108, 109) configured to change a hydraulic flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hydraulic steering system (100) for steering a vehicle with a steering mechanics (112). The hydraulic steering system (100) comprises a hydraulic steering unit (101). A single hydraulic steering unit (101) comprises two outlet ports (111) configured to allow hydraulic fluid to be discharged from the hydraulic steering unit (101) to the steering mechanics (112) of the vehicle, at least two redundant hydraulic components (108, 109) configured to change a hydraulic flow of the hydraulic fluid and to be fluidically connected to the outlet ports (111), a first steering control device (102) for controlling a first hydraulic component (108) of the at least two hydraulic components (108, 109) and configured to change the hydraulic flow in the hydraulic steering unit (101) and a second hydraulic component (109) configured to change the hydraulic flow in the hydraulic steering unit (101). In order to provide an improved hydraulic steering system, the single hydraulic steering unit (101) further comprises a second steering control device (105) for controlling the second hydraulic component (109) of the at least two hydraulic components (108, 109).