Modular Steering Gear Interfaces for Flexible Vehicle Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering gear systems struggle to efficiently adapt to varying customer demands and installation environments, particularly in terms of loading capabilities and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A modular steering unit with interchangeable modules featuring well-defined interfaces, allowing for flexible assembly and adaptation to different requirements by replacing or combining functional units such as hydraulic actuators, pumps, electric motors, and control units without significant redesign.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If steering gear systems are designed with fixed configurations to meet specific customer demands, then the loading capability and installation environment are optimized, but the system cannot be easily adapted to different customer requirements and installation spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The steering gear system is divided into multiple interchangeable modules, each with standardized interfaces. These modules can be selectively combined to create different system configurations, enabling adaptation to various customer demands and installation environments without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal standardized interfaces that allow the same module to be used in multiple different configurations and applications. This multi-functionality enables a single module design to serve various customer requirements across different installation environments, improving adaptability while reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If steering gear systems are customized for each customer demand, then the loading capability and installation environment are optimized, but the manufacturing cost and development time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the steering gear into standardized modules, the patent enables customization through selective assembly of existing modules rather than designing and manufacturing custom systems for each customer. This significantly reduces manufacturing cost and development effort while maintaining the ability to meet specific customer demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows customization by changing the combination and configuration of standardized modules rather than redesigning the entire system. This parameter-based approach (selecting different module combinations) enables cost-effective customization while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized production processes.
3Ease of operation
If standardized modules with well-defined interfaces are used, then the ease of assembly and adaptation is improved, but the interface design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops universal standardized interfaces that, despite their design complexity, enable ease of assembly and module replacement. The interfaces are designed to be multi-functional, handling mechanical connection, electrical connection, and data communication through standardized protocols, which simplifies the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interfaces are designed to enable self-aligning and self-securing mechanisms that reduce the skill level required for assembly. The interfaces automatically ensure proper alignment and connection, making the assembly process easier even though the interface design itself is complex.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
The present invention refers to a module of a modular steering unit for a commercial vehicle, comprising at least one functional unit of the modular steering unit, at least one mechanical interface for fixing the module and one or more interfaces for connecting to at least one further module, wherein the at least one functional unit may be one of the following types: hydraulic actuator, hydraulic pump, electric motor, inverter, hydraulic reservoir and electronic control unit. Further, the present invention refers to a steering unit and a steering system.