Modular Road-Wheel Actuator Assembly for Scalable Steering Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems lack scalability and modularity to meet varying redundancy and power level requirements, failing to adapt efficiently to different vehicle demands.
Innovation Solution
A modular steering system design comprising interchangeable modules, including hydraulic actuators, pumps, valve blocks, and electronic control units, allowing for scalable redundancy and power levels through modular assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed steering system design is used, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying redundancy and power level requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into modular components (hydraulic pump module, control unit module, actuator module) that can be independently configured and combined. This segmentation allows the system to be customized for different redundancy and power level requirements without redesigning the entire system, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities where modules can be selectively activated or deactivated based on operational requirements. The control unit can dynamically adjust which hydraulic pumps are operational and how actuators are distributed across steering axles, enabling the system to adapt its redundancy and power levels in real-time without physical reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If redundant components are added to meet safety requirements, then system reliability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized protocols that allow the same hardware to serve multiple functions. For example, a single control unit module can manage multiple hydraulic pumps and actuators, and hydraulic pumps can serve both primary steering functions and redundancy functions, reducing the need for dedicated redundant components while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different reliability levels by changing operational parameters rather than physically adding components. The control unit can adjust pressure thresholds, flow rates, and activation criteria for redundant systems based on detected fault conditions, allowing the same hardware configuration to provide varying degrees of redundancy depending on operational context.
3Power
If power level is increased to meet higher load demands, then steering performance improves, but energy consumption and system size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pumps operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously, activating only when steering assistance is required. The control system monitors steering wheel torque and activates pumps in short bursts during steering maneuvers, then deactivates them during straight-line driving, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate power levels when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines electrical and hydraulic power sources in an integrated architecture where the electric motor drives the hydraulic pump, which then provides amplified hydraulic power. This merging allows the electrical system to operate at low power continuously while the hydraulic system provides high power output only during steering operations, achieving high steering power with low average energy consumption.
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
Enables adaptable redundancy and power level adjustments to meet specific application needs, ensuring safety and reliability while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump (120) and a valve block (121)
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic actuator (110) for actuating at least one road wheel
Implementation Method 3
an electromotor (130) and an electronic control unit (140)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a steering system (100) for a commercial vehicle comprising at least one road-wheel actuator for exerting a steering impulse on at least one road wheel of the vehicle, the at least one road-wheel actuator being configured as an assembly comprising at least one first module (110) comprising a hydraulic actuator, at least one second module (120) comprising a hydraulic pump and a valve block and at least one third module (130) comprising an electromotor and an electronic control unit, wherein the road-wheel actuator comprises an additional first module, second module and/or third module. Moreover, the present invention refers to a road-wheel actuator for such a steering system.