Hydraulic Steering Arrangement with Sensor-Based Valve Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic steering systems with no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and wheels result in a delayed response due to universal joints and deadband, affecting the driver's steering feel.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel sensor is positioned to minimize play, detecting initial wheel movement and controlling a supply valve to immediately supply hydraulic fluid to the working port arrangement, eliminating mechanical play delay and compensating for deadband, using a solenoid valve and additional sensors for adaptive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a full hydraulic steering arrangement with universal joints is used, then mechanical connection between steering wheel and wheels is eliminated, but steering response delay occurs due to play and deadband
Solution Approach 1:
The supply valve means is actuated upon detection of the beginning of steering wheel movement to preliminarily supply hydraulic fluid to the working port arrangement, compensating for the mechanical play and deadband before the mechanical steering unit can respond, thereby eliminating steering delay
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical steering transmission with an electro-hydraulic system where a sensor detects steering wheel position and a controller actuates supply valve means to provide hydraulic fluid to the steering actuator, substituting mechanical play compensation with electronic sensing and hydraulic actuation
2Ease of manufacture
If steering wheel sensor is positioned远离 shaft to allow mounting, then mounting is easier, but detection delay increases due to mechanical play
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the steering wheel sensor at a specific location on the steering wheel assembly where the local mechanical play is minimized, ensuring high measurement precision while still allowing practical mounting. This localized optimization of sensor position achieves both manufacturability and detection accuracy
3Speed
If supply valve means immediately supply hydraulic fluid upon steering wheel actuation, then steering response is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply valve means supplies hydraulic fluid in a controlled manner upon detection of steering wheel movement, providing just enough fluid to compensate for play and deadband effects. This partial action approach achieves rapid steering response while avoiding excessive hydraulic fluid consumption that would occur with continuous supply
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 provides immediate steering response and linear actuation, eliminating the feeling of mechanical play and deadband, ensuring consistent steering feedback across driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the supply valve means comprises at least a solenoid valve. A solenoid valve is a simple embodiment of a remotely controlled valve. It can be actuated by supplying electrical energy to the solenoid valve.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic steering arrangement (1) comprising a supply port arrangement having a pressure port and a tank port, a working port arrangement having two working ports (L, R), a mechanical steering unit (3) connected to a steering wheel (2) and being arranged between the supply port arrangement and the working port arrangement (L, R), supply valve means (12) having a connection to the pressure port and to the working port arrangement (L, R) and being controlled by a controller (10), and a steering wheel sensor (9) connected to the controller (10) is described. Such a steering arrangement could allow a comfortable feeling for the driver. To this end the steering wheel sensor (9) is mounted in a position of minimum play to steering wheel (2) and steering wheel sensor (9) and detects a beginning of a movement of the steering wheel (2), wherein the controller (10) actuates the supply valve means (12) upon beginning of the movement, and the supply valve means (12) supply hydraulic fluid to the working port arrangement (L, R).