Rotational Speed Superposition Device for Vehicle Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotational speed superposition devices for steering systems in motor vehicles are complex, costly, and inefficient due to the large number of structural parts and high precision requirements, with complex energy coupling and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A compact rotational speed superposition device with a simplified design using a carrier system with an input shaft and output shaft aligned along the same axis, connected via two toothed disks and a toothed wheel that engages both disks, allowing for variable tooth number and reference circle diameter to set transmission ratios, and an auxiliary drive that can be electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If planetary gearing or worm wheel gearing is used for rotational speed superposition, then the superposition function is achieved, but the number of structural parts increases and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gearing system is segmented into a toothed wheel on the rotor and two toothed disks on the input and output shafts, replacing the complex planetary or worm gearing structure. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing overall production complexity while maintaining the rotational speed superposition function.
Solution Approach 2:
The toothed wheel serves multiple functions: it engages with both the first toothed disk (connected to input shaft) and the second toothed disk (connected to output shaft), simultaneously achieving speed reduction and superposition. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate planetary gear sets or worm gearings, reducing the number of structural parts.
2Reliability
If planetary gearing with multiple tooth engagements is used, then rotational speed superposition is achieved, but precision requirements increase to avoid play
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of speed superposition from the complex multi-engagement planetary gearing and implements it through a simplified single-stage toothed wheel mechanism. By taking out only the necessary speed ratio function and eliminating redundant tooth engagements, the system maintains reliability without requiring excessive manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the gear engagement parameters by using a toothed wheel that simultaneously engages two toothed disks with different numbers of teeth. This parameter variation allows for achieving the desired speed superposition ratio while maintaining adequate clearance and avoiding excessive precision requirements through proper tooth profile design and spacing.
3Ease of operation
If the entire device including motor housing is rotated by the driver, then steering control is achieved, but the connection of energy supply and sensors becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the motor housing with the stationary carrier system, creating a fixed mounting structure that eliminates the need to rotate the entire assembly. The toothed wheel on the rotor engages with toothed disks on shafts that remain relatively positioned, allowing the driver to operate the steering wheel without rotating heavy components, thereby simplifying energy supply and sensor connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the motor housing and entire assembly with the steering wheel, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the motor housing stationary and achieving steering control through rotation of the toothed wheel relative to the fixed toothed disks. This inversion simplifies the energy coupling and sensor connections while maintaining full steering control functionality.
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 solution reduces the number of structural components, simplifies production, improves efficiency, and allows for flexible installation, while maintaining control over steering systems even in power failures through a safety coupling mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
on the rotor at least one further toothed wheel is disposed rotatably about its own axis and spaced apart from the rotational axis of the rotor rotatable about the input shaft, wherein the toothing of the further toothed wheel engages in both toothings of the first and of the second toothed disk
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for superimposing rotational speeds in a vehicle steering system. Said device comprises an input shaft (1) and an output shaft (2) that are arranged in a longitudinal direction relative to each other, a support system (IIa, IIb) which is fixed to the vehicle body and in which the input shaft (1) and the output shaft (2) are rotatably positioned so as to be mounted at least in part, a servodrive (6, 7) encompassing a stator (7) that is located on the support system (IIa, IIb) and a rotor (6) that is mounted so as to be rotatable parallel to the axis of the input shaft. The input shaft (1) is connected to a first toothed disk (3) while the output shaft (2) is joined to a second toothed disk (4). At least one additional toothed wheel (5) is mounted on the rotor (6) at a distance from the axis of rotation of the rotor (6) so as to be rotatable about its own axis around the input shaft (1). The toothing of said additional toothed wheel (5) engages into both toothings of the first and second toothed disk (3, 4).