Single-Jacket Steer-by-Wire Steering Column for Compact Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional steer-by-wire steering systems require multiple steering shafts and jackets, complicating packaging and increasing complexity, and the hand wheel actuator is often angled, requiring additional space.
Innovation Solution
A single-column steer-by-wire steering system with a single steering shaft and jacket, incorporating a steer-by-wire electric actuator and motor stator to provide resistance, and a manual adjustment mechanism with slots for axial and rake movements, eliminating the need for a gearbox and reducing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional steer-by-wire steering systems use multiple steering shafts and jackets, then the system can provide steering functionality, but the packaging complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple steering shafts and jackets into a single integrated steering shaft housed within a single column jacket. The hand wheel actuator is directly mounted to this single steering shaft, eliminating the need for separate upper and lower jackets and shafts while maintaining steering functionality through the steer-by-wire electric actuator mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The single column jacket and steering shaft assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the steering shaft, provides structural support, enables manual adjustment of axial and rake positions through integrated slots, and accommodates the hand wheel actuator. This multi-functional design reduces the overall component count while maintaining all necessary steering capabilities.
2Reliability
If the hand wheel actuator is assembled at an angle or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, then the actuator can provide resistance and feedback, but additional space is required and packaging is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The hand wheel actuator is directly mounted to the steering shaft in a configuration that integrates it within the existing column jacket structure. This eliminates the need for separate angled or perpendicular mounting arrangements, reducing the overall space requirement while maintaining the actuator's ability to provide resistance and feedback through its direct connection to the steering shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is positioned and oriented to work within the longitudinal axis dimension of the steering column rather than requiring additional angular or perpendicular space. The manual adjustment slots are configured to allow axial and rake movements within the existing cylindrical envelope of the column jacket, eliminating the need for extra packaging space.
3Device complexity
If a single column jacket and steering shaft are used, then the design is simplified and packaging is improved, but the system must maintain energy absorption capability
Solution Approach 1:
The single column jacket and steering shaft assembly incorporates energy absorption features that are built into the structure beforehand. The jacket design includes structural elements that can deform or absorb energy during collision events, and the steering shaft configuration allows for controlled movement that dissipates energy, ensuring that the simplified single-component design maintains safety and energy absorption capabilities.
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 simplifies the design by reducing components, allows for compact packaging, and integrates actuator and actuator housing, while maintaining energy absorption capability and steering feedback.
Implementation Method 1
The electric actuator also includes a motor stator at least partially surrounding the rotor structure
Data Source
AI summary
A steer-by-wire steering column includes a single column jacket extending in a longitudinal direction. The steering column also includes a single steering shaft extending in the longitudinal direction and housed at least partially within the single column jacket. The steering column further includes a steer-by-wire electric actuator at least partially disposed within the single column jacket and surrounding the single steering shaft to provide resistance to the single steering shaft.