Parallel Power Steering Layout for Small Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power steering apparatuses for small vessels are lengthened by integrating electrically driven assist devices and oil hydraulic pumps in series, which increases the center of gravity, complicates steering response, and reduces torque sensor accuracy due to direct impact loads.
Innovation Solution
The power steering apparatus arranges the electrically driven assist device and oil hydraulic pump in parallel on a common base, with a transmission system that increases the speed of rotation output to the pump, and positions the torque sensor to detect torsion magnetometrically, reducing direct impact on the detection element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electrically driven assist device and oil hydraulic pump device are arranged in series on the steering shaft, then the steering force transmission is simplified, but the power steering apparatus length increases and the center of gravity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a series arrangement (one-dimensional linear configuration along the steering shaft) to a parallel arrangement (two-dimensional spatial configuration). The electrically driven assist device and oil hydraulic pump device are positioned side-by-side and connected through a transmission system, effectively changing the spatial dimension of the layout. This dimensional change allows the apparatus to achieve compactness while maintaining functional connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transmission system as an intermediary mechanism between the electrically driven assist device and the oil hydraulic pump device. This transmission system includes speed-changing gears that mediate the power transmission, allowing the parallel arrangement to function effectively. The intermediary transmission system enables the pump to receive rotational power from the assist device's output shaft without requiring direct series connection, thus shortening the overall apparatus length.
2Device complexity
If the electrically driven assist device and oil hydraulic pump device are arranged in series, then the integration is simplified, but the steering response becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rotational speed parameter of the oil hydraulic pump by introducing a transmission system with speed-changing gears. The transmission system increases the rotational speed from the electrically driven assist device's output shaft to the pump's input shaft. This parameter change (speed multiplication) enables the pump to generate hydraulic pressure more rapidly, thereby improving steering response speed while maintaining the integrated structure through parallel arrangement.
3Device complexity
If the torque sensor detecting element is in direct contact with the torque pin, then the torque detection mechanism is simplified, but the detecting accuracy decreases due to impact loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary for torque detection. Instead of direct mechanical contact between the torque pin and detecting element, the system uses a magnetic coupling mechanism where the torque pin interacts with a magnet, and the magnet interacts with the detecting element. This intermediary magnetic field transmits torque information without direct physical contact, thereby isolating the precision detecting element from impact loads while maintaining the simplicity of the detection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical contact system with a magnetic field-based detection system. The torque detection mechanism transitions from purely mechanical (torque pin sliding on detecting element) to a hybrid system using magnetic coupling. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical impact transmission while preserving the torque measurement function, thereby improving detecting accuracy in environments with impact loads.
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
This configuration shortens the power steering apparatus, lowers the center of gravity, enhances steering response, and improves torque sensor accuracy by reducing direct impact loads and optimizing the layout for better performance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the torque sensor detects a steering torque manually applied to the handle
Implementation Method 2
an oil hydraulic pump device which is comprised of a swash plate type axial piston pump and which is configured to generate the oil pressure
Data Source
AI summary
In a power steering apparatus for a small vessel, an electrically driven assist device (26) and a helm pump (27) formed of a swash plate type axial piston pump are arranged in parallel on a common base (28). The electrically driven assist device (26) and the helm pump 27 are connected through a transmission system (34) under the common base 28 and integrated into a steering oil pressure generating unit (6) functioning as the power steering apparatus. The electrically driven assist device (26) is carried on an instrument panel (3). The parallel arrangement of the electrically driven assist device (26) and the helm pump (27) allows the steering oil pressure generating device (6) to be reduced in vertical length, so that it is possible to shorten the distance between the instrument panel (3) and a bottom (2) of the vessel and to lower positions of a handle and an operator's seat, thereby realizing the low center of gravity.