Hydraulic Steering System for Large Off-Road Tires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stock rack and pinion steering assemblies in all-terrain and utility-terrain vehicles with large wheel and tire configurations are undersized, leading to inadequate load support and increased wear due to high-angle lift kits.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic steering system with a steering control, a steering assist assembly, and at least one anti-rotation arm, which includes a housing with axially extending cylinders, a piston, an axial rod, and tie rods, along with a fluid supply system and anti-rotation features to prevent rotation of the piston and axial rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If stock rack and pinion steering assemblies are used with large wheel and tire configurations, then the vehicle can achieve larger wheel size, but the steering assembly becomes undersized and inadequate for load support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using a piston and cylinder assembly with fluid pressure to generate steering assist force. The hydraulic system multiplies the steering input force, enabling the steering assembly to handle the increased loads from large wheels and tires without requiring a complete redesign of the entire steering mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high-angle lift kits are installed to raise suspension height, then the vehicle achieves improved ground clearance and suspension geometry, but the steering assembly experiences increased wear and inadequate load support
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic steering assist assembly compensates for the increased mechanical stress and altered geometry caused by high-angle lift kits. The fluid-powered piston provides additional force multiplication, reducing the wear on steering components that results from the changed suspension configuration and higher operating loads.
3Weight of moving object
If stock steering assemblies are used with oversized tires, then the vehicle can utilize larger tires for improved performance, but the steering components become susceptible to wear and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic steering system reduces component wear by providing force assistance that decreases the mechanical stress on steering components. The fluid pressure in the piston-cylinder assembly amplifies the steering input, allowing oversized tires to be used without subjecting the steering rack and pinion to excessive loads that would cause accelerated wear and potential failure.
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 hydraulic steering system provides enhanced load support and reduced wear by effectively managing the increased forces from large tires and high-angle lift kits, ensuring consistent steering geometry and improved vehicle control.
Implementation Method 1
a first cylinder formed therein and extending axially and opening at the first and second axially facing sides, the first cylinder defining a hollow interior space... a piston slidably arranged within the first cylinder such that the piston is configured to move axially within the first cylinder
Implementation Method 2
an axial rod slidably arranged within the second cylinder such that the axial rod is configured to move axially within the second cylinder... The shaft is operably connected to the steering control and configured to rotate therewith, the shaft configured to engage with the axial rod such that rotation of the shaft causes axial movement of the axial rod
Data Source
AI summary
A steering system includes a steering control, a steering assist assembly, and two anti-rotation arms. The steering assist assembly includes a housing includes two hollow cylinders formed therein. A piston is slidably arranged within the first cylinder and an axial rod is slidably arranged within the second cylinder. First and second tie rods are connected to first and second axial ends of the axial rod. A shaft operably connected to the steering control is configured to engage with the axial rod such that rotation of the shaft causes axial movement of the axial rod. The axial movement of the axial rod causes axial movement of the first and second tie rods so as to turn the wheels of the vehicle. The anti-rotation arms are operably connected to the piston and to the axial rod and are configured to prevent rotation of the piston and the axial rod.