Steer-Brake Interface With Compliant Feedback for Steering Feel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steer/brake systems for vehicles do not provide an operator with a 'feel' that matches the expectation for steering, particularly in utility, work, or sport vehicles, as the feedback is directly related to the braking mechanism, which can be inconsistent with the expected steering experience.
Innovation Solution
A steer/brake system with a compliant element interface between the operator control and the braking system, featuring a spring mechanism that provides modulation through different phases of engagement, allowing for adjustable steering feedback by modulating the force applied to the master cylinder, facilitating a more intuitive steering experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator control is directly connected to the master cylinder, then the steering response is immediate and direct, but the steering feel does not match operator expectations for utility/work/sport vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
A compliant interface element is introduced between the operator control and the master cylinder. This intermediary component modulates the force transmission, providing a more natural steering feel that matches operator expectations while maintaining direct mechanical connection for immediate response.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant interface element changes the force-displacement characteristics between the operator control and master cylinder. By modifying the mechanical parameters of force transmission, the system provides enhanced steering feedback that simulates expected vehicle steering behavior without sacrificing responsiveness.
2Ease of operation
If a compliant interface element is added between the operator control and master cylinder, then the steering feel is improved and modulated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant interface element serves as a mediator that improves steering feedback quality. Rather than adding complex electronic or hydraulic systems, a single mechanical compliant element is used to achieve the desired modulation of steering feel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies the mechanical parameters of the steering connection by introducing compliance. This changes the force transmission characteristics to provide better steering feedback while maintaining a simple mechanical architecture with minimal additional components.
3Ease of operation
If the spring mechanism is engaged early in the steering operation, then the modulation effect is maximized, but the dead stroke of the braking system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is designed to engage dynamically during the steering operation. The compliant interface provides modulation during the active steering phase while allowing the necessary dead stroke for brake mechanism engagement, optimizing both modulation effect and system response timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism operates in periodic cycles during steering input, engaging to provide modulation during the steering phase and disengaging during the dead stroke phase. This periodic engagement maximizes the modulation effect while preserving the necessary brake system response time.
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 enhances the operator's steering feel by providing a modulated relationship between steering angle and torque, emulating the expected feedback of utility, work, or sport vehicles, improving the overall steering experience through adjustable and tunable feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism between the operator control and the master cylinder configured to provide modulation for the operator control for the second phase of operation
Implementation Method 2
force is applied directly to the master cylinder to engage the brake mechanism; operation of the braking system is a function of the hydraulic stiffness of the braking system
Data Source
AI summary
A steer/brake system for a vehicle (with wheels and/or tracks) is disclosed. The system may comprise a steering system with an operator control and braking system for each side of the vehicle with a master cylinder for the brake mechanism and an interface between the braking system and the operator control. Operation may provide a phase where the interface is at least partially engaged and force may be applied through the interface to the master cylinder to engage the brake mechanism to provide modulation for the operator control. A steering emulation system may comprise the interface and a compliant element configured to provide modulation for the operator control. The system may comprise a shared hydraulic system; the brake mechanism may comprise the steering brake mechanism and the service brake mechanism.