Servo-Assisted Steering Device with Adaptive Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current servo-assisted steering devices for vehicles lack the ability to adjust fluid pumping based on navigation conditions, such as cruising speed or propulsion engine revolutions, and cannot be operated both automatically and manually simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A servo-assisted steering device that includes a control unit to adjust the number of revolutions of an electric motor driving the automatic pumping means, allowing for manual input to set or change the motor speed, using various mechanisms like switching members, slide members, or sensors to adjust the power delivery based on navigation parameters and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If automatic pumping means are operated without considering navigation conditions, then the steering assist is provided continuously, but the system cannot adapt to varying navigation conditions such as cruising speed or engine revolutions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the motor speed based on real-time navigation conditions (cruising speed, engine revolutions) through a control unit that receives inputs from sensors and automatically modifies pump operation parameters, enabling the steering assist to adapt to varying operational requirements without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor navigation conditions (cruising speed, engine revolutions) and feed this information to the control unit, which then adjusts the motor speed accordingly. This closed-loop control enables continuous adaptation to changing navigation conditions while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control
2Ease of operation
If the motor speed is fixed, then the system is simple to operate, but the amount of fluid pumped cannot be adjusted to match varying steering requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying motor speed based on detected navigation conditions. The control unit monitors parameters such as cruising speed and engine revolutions, and autonomously adjusts pump operation to match steering requirements, eliminating the need for manual intervention while providing adaptive fluid pumping
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (motor speed, fluid pumping rate) in response to varying navigation conditions. The control unit modifies the motor speed parameter based on inputs from sensors monitoring cruising speed and engine revolutions, enabling continuous adaptation of fluid pumping to match actual steering needs while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
3Reliability
If manual pumping means are used without hydraulic assistance, then the system is simple and reliable, but high resistance is experienced during steering maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges manual pumping means with automatic powered pumping means in a hybrid hydraulic steering system. Both pumping systems work together, with the automatic pump providing hydraulic assistance to reduce steering resistance while the manual pump maintaining system reliability. The hydraulic circuit integrates both sources of power, allowing the system to benefit from both simplicity/reliability and reduced resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic fluid acts as an intermediary medium that transmits force from both the manual pump and automatic pump to the steering actuator. The hydraulic system mediates between the manual operator and the steering mechanism, allowing the automatic pump to assist by reducing the direct mechanical resistance experienced during steering while maintaining system reliability through the integrated hydraulic circuit
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
Enables efficient and adaptable steering by adjusting the amount of fluid pumped to assist manual steering, reducing resistance and improving maneuverability based on real-time navigation conditions, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (23) to which a control unit (24) is connected allowing the number of revolutions of the motor (23) to be modified
Implementation Method 2
automatic powered pumping means, which are hydraulically connected to manual pumping means
Implementation Method 3
hydraulically connected to manual pumping means and which are operated by using measurements of the conditions of the pressurized fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A servo-assisted steering device for vehicles includes a manual control member that is connected to a pump or the like manually driving it when the control member is rotated. The pump is connected at its delivery and suction side to one of the two chambers of one or more steering actuators through hydraulic pipes, feeding a pressurized fluid alternately to one or the other of the two chambers depending on moving direction, in particular the rotation of the control member. Assist control means for the steering actuators include a hydraulic fluid tank and automatic pumping means, which are driven and connected to the hydraulic pipes when the steering wheel is operated and which, by increasing the amount of pumped fluid, increase the pressure exerted by the pump to reduce resistance when steering the control member. The number of revolutions of the motor driving the automatic pumping means may be adjusted.