Modular Steering System with Segmented Output Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power-assisted steering systems for vehicles, particularly buses and trucks, face challenges such as high manufacturing complexity and costs due to different connection configurations required for vehicles with varying front overhangs, limiting their ability to integrate intelligent driving functions and efficiently provide automatic steering.
Innovation Solution
A modular steering system comprising an input unit, first and second output units, and a torque sensing unit, with flexible members and bevel gears, allows for adaptable installation in vehicles with long or short front overhangs by enabling simultaneous rotation and torque assistance of output shafts, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different connection configurations are used for vehicles with varying front overhangs, then the steering system can adapt to different vehicle types, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into modular components: a steering column assembly and a steering gear assembly that can be independently manufactured and then connected through different configurations. This segmentation allows the same basic components to serve multiple vehicle types without requiring complete redesign, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column assembly and steering gear assembly are designed as universal modules that can be applied across different vehicle types (full-size buses, midibuses, minibuses). By creating multi-functional components that can accommodate various connection configurations, the system achieves versatility without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different connection configurations are used for vehicles with varying front overhangs, then the steering system can adapt to different vehicle types, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the steering system into standardized modules (steering column assembly and steering gear assembly), the patent enables independent manufacturing and assembly. This reduces tooling costs, allows for economies of scale in component production, and simplifies quality control, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability to different vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by providing different connection configurations (first connection configuration for long front overhang, second connection configuration for short front overhang) of the same basic modular components. This allows cost-effective adaptation to different vehicle types without requiring entirely different component sets, thus controlling manufacturing costs while achieving versatility.
3Ease of operation
If conventional HPS systems are used, then power-assisted steering function is provided, but energy efficiency is low and automatic steering capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hydraulic power steering mechanism with an electric power steering motor. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid, pumps, and associated mechanical linkages, thereby improving energy efficiency by directly converting electrical energy to mechanical assistance while maintaining the power-assisted steering function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic system components from the steering mechanism, retaining only the essential power-assisted steering function implemented through an electric motor. This extraction eliminates energy losses associated with hydraulic systems while preserving the core functionality of providing steering assistance.
4Ease of operation
If conventional HPS systems are used, then power-assisted steering function is provided, but automatic steering capability cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the hydraulic system with an electric power steering motor, the patent enables integration of electronic control systems that can provide both power assistance and automatic steering functions. The electric motor's controllability allows for programmable operation, facilitating automatic steering capability while maintaining ease of operation through power assistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular steering system is adapted to be installed in a vehicle. The vehicle includes a steering column. The modular steering system includes an input unit, a first output unit, and a second output unit. The input unit includes an input shaft that extends along a first axis, that is adapted to be connected to the steering column, and that is adapted to be driven rotatably by the steering column about the first axis. The first output unit includes a first output shaft that extends along and is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The second output unit includes a second output shaft that extends along and is rotatable about a third axis. The second axis and the third axis cooperatively define an angle therebetween.