Steer-by-Wire Limiting Apparatus for Rotation Range Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The steer-by-wire system faces challenges due to the inconsistent rotation ranges between the steering wheel and the steerable wheel, leading to difficulties in operation and control, as the steering wheel can rotate without limitations while the steerable wheel has a limited range, affecting driver input and safety.

Innovation Solution

A limiting apparatus comprising a fixed rod, slide block, and movable limiting block is introduced to synchronize the rotation of the steering wheel with the steerable wheel, ensuring the steering wheel rotates within a target range equivalent to the steerable wheel's range, using sensors and motors to maintain alignment and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the steering wheel is allowed to rotate without limitation, then the driver has greater operational freedom, but the rotation range becomes inconsistent with the steerable wheel, affecting control precision and safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering wheel rotation freedomVSAvoidrotation range consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting apparatus is pre-configured with fixed and movable limiting blocks positioned at specific locations along the steering column's rotation path. These blocks are arranged beforehand to define the target rotation range, so when the steering wheel is operated, the limitation is already in place to ensure rotation range consistency with the steerable wheel while maintaining driver control within safe boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If a limiting apparatus is added to restrict steering wheel rotation, then rotation range consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation range consistencyVSAvoidsteering system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable limiting block is designed to perform multiple functions: it limits the steering wheel rotation range to match the steerable wheel's capabilities, and simultaneously serves as a controllable element that can be adjusted or removed based on operational requirements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate limiting mechanisms, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving rotation range consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the steering wheel rotation is limited to match the steerable wheel range, then control safety is improved, but the operational flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering control safetyVSAvoidsteering operation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting apparatus incorporates a movable limiting block that can be dynamically adjusted along the steering column's rotation path. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt the rotation range limits based on different operating conditions, vehicle states, or steering requirements, thereby maintaining control safety while preserving operational flexibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4183663B1Steer-by-wire system and steering control method
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 YINWANG INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD
  • EP4183663B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4183663B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4183663B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A steer-by-wire system is provided, and includes a steering column (2) and a limiting apparatus (3). The limiting apparatus (3) includes a fixed rod (31), a slide block (32), and a movable limiting block (33). The slide block (32) is located on the fixed rod (31), and the slide block (32) can slide on the fixed rod (31) as the steering column (2) rotates. The movable limiting block (33) is located on the fixed rod (31), and can slide on the fixed rod (31), to limit the slide block (32) to slide on the fixed rod (31), so that the steering column (2) rotates within a target rotation range. A steering control method, a vehicle, and a controller are further disclosed. In the steer-by-wire system, the limiting apparatus limits steering of the steering column, so that the steering column no longer rotates without a limitation, but rotates within the target rotation range corresponding to a rotation range of a steerable wheel. In this way, the rotation range of the steering column is consistent with the rotation range of the steerable wheel. This facilitates operation and control of a driver on vehicle steering, and facilitates driving safety.