Integrated Power Steering Layout Without External Hydraulic Piping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems for medium and heavy utility vehicles require a distributed arrangement of components, leading to increased structural space, complexity, and susceptibility to faults, with external piping and separate components contributing to these issues.
Innovation Solution
A highly integrated steering assistance device with a torque sensor, gear unit, and drive unit arranged within a common housing, eliminating the need for external pipes and allowing for a compact, autonomous operation, utilizing a bidirectional pump and electronics unit for efficient hydraulic assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a distributed arrangement of components is used in the steering system, then individual components can be arranged separately in the vehicle, but the structural space required increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive unit and gear unit into a single integrated steering assistance device with a common housing. The drive unit is arranged directly on the steering housing, and the gear unit is integrated within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate external piping and multiple discrete components. This merging reduces system complexity while maintaining the ability to adapt to different vehicle configurations through the compact, self-contained design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a distributed arrangement of components is used in the steering system, then individual components can be arranged separately in the vehicle, but the structural space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit and gear unit are merged into a single integrated assembly with a common housing, significantly reducing the overall structural space required. The compact design eliminates external piping and allows the entire steering assistance device to be mounted in a confined space near the steering column, while still providing the flexibility to adapt to different vehicle layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear unit is nested within the housing that also contains the drive unit, creating a space-efficient nested arrangement. The pinion gear and sector gear are positioned within the same housing as the drive motor and pump, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the overall footprint of the steering assistance device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external piping is used to connect the pump and steering gear, then the components can be distributed, but the susceptibility to faults increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the drive unit and gear unit into a single housing with internal fluid passages, the patent eliminates external piping that would be prone to leaks and faults. The hydraulic connections are made internally within the sealed housing, significantly improving reliability while maintaining the distributed arrangement of the steering system components throughout the vehicle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a distributed arrangement of components is used in the steering system, then individual components can be arranged separately, but the installation outlay and susceptibility to faults increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design of the drive unit and gear unit as a single assembly with pre-established internal connections simplifies installation significantly. The entire steering assistance device can be mounted as one unit, eliminating the need for complex on-site piping installation and component assembly, thereby reducing installation outlay and time while maintaining component distribution flexibility.
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 configuration reduces structural space, installation complexity, and susceptibility to faults, enabling cost savings, simplified installation, and potential fuel savings, while allowing for autonomous operation and integration with advanced driver assistance systems.
Implementation Method 1
a torque sensor, wherein the torque sensor is configured to detect the torque introduced via the input shaft and to provide a sensor signal which represents the detected torque
Implementation Method 2
a drive unit, wherein the drive unit is configured to charge the gear unit with a hydraulic working medium in a manner dependent on the sensor signal
Data Source
AI summary
A steering assistance device includes an input shaft, a torque sensor, and output shaft, a gear unit, a steering housing, and a drive unit. The drive unit and the torque sensor are arranged so as to be in mechanical contact with the steering housing. The drive unit has a pump for conveying the working medium and a motor for driving the pump. The drive unit has a reservoir for containing working medium, wherein at least the pump is arranged within the reservoir. The input shaft, the torque sensor, the gear unit, and the drive unit are arranged in a row along a longitudinal axis.