Rack-Meshed Sensor Gear for Precise Steering Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic steering systems lack precision and reliability in detecting the movement and position of the steering rack, requiring complex detection techniques.
Innovation Solution
An electronic steering system with a wheel sensor assembly that includes a sensor gear meshed with the rack's gear teeth, allowing direct detection of rack movement and position using sensor units, which can be configured with various gear tooth designs and redundant sensor gears for increased accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex detection techniques are used to detect rack movement and position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor gear as an intermediary component that meshes with the rack's gear teeth. This sensor gear converts the rack's linear movement into rotational movement, which can then be easily and precisely detected by standard rotational sensors. This intermediary mechanism achieves high measurement precision while keeping the detection system relatively simple and standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection techniques with a simpler sensor-based detection system. By using a sensor gear combined with electronic sensors, the system achieves precise rack position detection without requiring complex mechanical measurement mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If specialized sprocket position sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor gear serves multiple functions: it meshes with the rack to convert linear motion to rotational motion, drives the rotational sensor, and provides a mounting structure for the sensor assembly. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for specialized sprocket position sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the use of standard rotational sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a sensor gear that replicates the toothed structure of the rack's gear teeth, allowing the sensor to detect rack position through rotational movement. This copying approach enables the use of standard rotational sensors instead of specialized sensors, reducing complexity while achieving the same measurement precision.
3Reliability
If redundant sensor gears are added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates redundant sensor gears as a form of prior cushioning against detection failures. By having multiple sensor gears that can backup each other, the system ensures continued reliable operation even if one sensor gear or its associated sensor fails, thus improving reliability while adding only moderate complexity through the use of identical redundant components.
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 system achieves precise and reliable detection of rack movement and position, enhancing the configurability and reducing complexity while eliminating the need for specialized sprocket position sensors.
Implementation Method 1
the wheel sensor assembly has a sensor gear meshed with the gear teeth of the rack and a sensor unit coupled to the sensor gear, and wherein the sensor is to detect rotation of the sensor gear
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic steering systems for vehicles are disclosed. An electronic steering system for a vehicle includes at least one rack having gear teeth, and a wheel sensor assembly configured to sense a movement or a position of the rack, wherein the wheel sensor assembly has a sensor gear meshed with the gear teeth of the rack and a sensor unit coupled to the sensor gear, wherein the sensor is to detect rotation of the sensor gear.