Modular Power Steering Drive Stations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering apparatuses for commercial vehicles require custom configurations for different vehicle types, leading to increased manufacturing and inventory costs due to the need for separate setups for various physical configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular electric power steering device with a rotatable shaft supported by a housing, featuring multiple drive stations that can selectively accept and connect different rotational input assemblies in various configurations, allowing for adaptable operation across various vehicle types without the need for separate custom configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom configurations are used for different vehicle types, then operational effectiveness for specific vehicle types is improved, but manufacturing and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power steering apparatus design where a single base unit can be configured to work with multiple different vehicle types through interchangeable components. The housing is designed with multiple drive stations that can accept different rotational input assemblies, allowing the same physical apparatus to adapt to various vehicle configurations without requiring custom manufacturing for each vehicle type.
Solution Approach 2:
The power steering apparatus is divided into modular segments including a base housing with drive stations and interchangeable rotational input assemblies. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a common base unit while swapping out specific components to match different vehicle requirements, reducing the need to manufacture entirely custom systems for each vehicle type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate setups are created for various physical configurations, then operational effectiveness for each configuration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as a universal platform with multiple drive stations that can accommodate different rotational input assemblies. This allows a single housing design to serve multiple vehicle configurations by simply changing the input assembly, rather than creating entirely separate setups for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfigurability where the rotational input assemblies can be swapped between different drive stations based on the specific vehicle configuration needs. This dynamic adaptation allows the same base unit to optimize performance for different vehicle types without requiring permanent structural modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular power steering apparatus includes a rotatable shaft, which is selectively rotatable to effect turning movement of at least one vehicle wheel. A housing supports the rotatable shaft for rotation relative thereto, about a shaft axis. A first rotational input assembly is provided for transmitting a steering command from a steering member to the rotatable shaft. A second rotational input assembly is operatively connected with the rotatable shaft. The second rotational input assembly is configured to apply a rotational force to the rotatable shaft. The apparatus includes a plurality of drive stations. Each drive station is configured to selectively accept both of the first and second rotational input assemblies for operating connection to the rotatable shaft at different times.