Modular Vehicle Steering Assembly for Compact Power Assist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated hydraulic and electric power steering systems for vehicles, particularly trucks and buses, are complex and bulky, making them difficult to install and maintain, and lack control devices for advanced functions like automatic parking and autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
A modular steering system that combines hydraulic and electric power steering components, including bevel gears, bearings, and a housing design, to simplify structure, reduce weight, and minimize installation space, while enabling advanced steering functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic and electric power steering systems are integrated, then advanced functions (automatic parking, lane-keeping, autonomous driving) are enabled, but the overall structure becomes complicated and the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic power steering system and electric power steering system into a single integrated unit sharing common components. The electric motor, bevel gears, and housing form a unified structure where the motor assists the hydraulic rack bar, enabling both high steering force and advanced control functions while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated steering system performs multiple functions through a single unified structure. The electric motor provides both direct steering assistance and enables advanced driver assistance functions (automatic parking, lane-keeping, autonomous driving). The housing accommodates both hydraulic and electric components, making the system versatile for various steering requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic and electric power steering systems are integrated, then advanced functions are enabled, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the electric motor and bevel gear components inside a compact housing that integrates with the hydraulic power steering system. The first bevel gear is nested within the housing, and the second bevel gear engages with it in a space-efficient arrangement. The input shaft extends through the housing to connect with the steering shaft, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the overall installation footprint
3Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic and electric power steering systems are integrated, then advanced functions are enabled, but manufacturing and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated steering system is designed with modular components that can be manufactured separately and assembled. The housing is a distinct component that can be produced independently, the motor and bevel gears can be manufactured as separate units, and then assembled together. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing processes and enables easier maintenance by allowing individual components to be replaced or serviced without disassembling the entire system
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
The modular design simplifies the steering system structure, reduces weight and installation space, and facilitates effective manufacturing and maintenance, while enabling advanced functions like automatic parking and autonomous driving in vehicles requiring higher steering forces.
Implementation Method 1
a first bearing interposed between the motor shaft and the motor shaft support
Implementation Method 2
a first bevel gear coupled to a motor shaft of the motor; a second bevel gear including a gear main body configured to engage with the first bevel gear
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a steering system for a vehicle, and a steering system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a motor configured to assist a steering force by rotating a steering shaft, a first bevel gear coupled to a motor shaft of the motor, a first lock nut configured to fix the first bevel gear to the motor shaft, a second bevel gear configured to engage with the first bevel gear, a housing coupled to the motor and configured to accommodate the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear, the housing having a motor shaft support configured to support an end of the motor shaft, and a first bearing interposed between the motor shaft and the motor shaft support.