Hydrostatic Steering with Electronic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicle steering systems face challenges in providing both reduced steering effort and precise control, especially in hydrostatic steering configurations, which can be cumbersome and lack the feedback necessary for comfortable handling and autonomous operation.
Innovation Solution
A commercial vehicle with a mechanically separated steering wheel and hydraulic steering control unit, utilizing an input angle sensor, steering actuator, and electronic control unit to manage hydraulic pressure in a steering cylinder, combined with a steer-by-wire system for efficient and comfortable hydrostatic steering, incorporating redundancy for reliable operation and feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydrostatic steering system is used to reduce steering effort, then steering comfort is improved, but the system becomes mechanically complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a steering wheel for driver input, a mechanically separated output steering column for wheel actuation, and an electronic control unit that bridges them. This segmentation allows the hydrostatic steering components to be distributed and integrated into the existing vehicle architecture, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining steering comfort benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling between steering wheel and wheels with an electronic control system. The input angle sensor detects steering wheel position, the control unit processes this information, and the output steering column is actuated accordingly. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages while preserving the force-reducing benefits of hydrostatic steering.
2Force
If the steering wheel is mechanically separated from the wheels, then steering effort is reduced, but feedback to the driver is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an electronic feedback loop where the input angle sensor continuously monitors steering wheel position and sends signals to the control unit. The control unit processes this information and actuates the output steering column accordingly, providing the driver with tactile feedback through the steering wheel while maintaining mechanical separation. This closed-loop feedback system preserves the driver's sense of control and vehicle response.
3Extent of automation
If a steer-by-wire system is implemented for autonomous steering, then automation capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit serves multiple functions: it processes steering wheel input signals, controls the output steering column actuation, provides feedback to the driver, and enables autonomous steering capabilities. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit, reducing overall system complexity while enabling both manual and autonomous steering modes.
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 enhances steering comfort, reduces driver effort, and enables autonomous steering with precise control, integrating hydrostatic steering with electronic control for improved handling and redundancy in case of hydraulic pump failure.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pressure can be directed into a hydraulic steering cylinder of a steering device depending on a rotational movement of the steering wheel
Implementation Method 2
A rotational movement or steering movement of the steering wheel can be detected by an input angle sensor
Implementation Method 3
An output steering column, mechanically separated from the steering wheel, is rotatable by means of a steering actuator (e.g., electric motor)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a commercial vehicle (10) with hydrostatic steering, a steering wheel (12) mechanically separated from the wheels (36) of a vehicle axle (38), and a hydraulic steering control unit (40). A hydraulic pressure (P) can be directed by the hydraulic steering control unit (40) to a hydraulic steering cylinder (42) of a steering device (46) for the wheels (36) as a function of a rotational movement of the steering wheel (12). A rotational movement of the steering wheel (12) can be detected by an input angle sensor (16). An output steering column (30), mechanically separated from the steering wheel (12), is rotatable by means of a steering actuator (24) and acts on the hydraulic steering control unit (40). A control unit (22) is connected to the input angle sensor (16) and to the steering actuator (24) to control the steering actuator (24) depending on sensor signals from the input angle sensor (16).