Steer-by-Wire Rotor Self-Alignment via Radial Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of detection devices in steer-by-wire steering systems is complicated due to the need for precise alignment of the rotor with the pinion, making blind assembly impossible.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with a detection device featuring a radially flexible rotor that can be self-aligned with the pinion during assembly, allowing for easier mounting and tolerance compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotor is rigid and requires precise coaxial alignment with the pinion, then the connection between rotor and pinion is stable and reliable, but the assembly process becomes complicated and blind assembly becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is designed with radial flexibility, changing the mechanical parameter from rigid to flexible. This allows the rotor to deform elastically during assembly to accommodate minor misalignments, achieving both reliable connection and simplified blind assembly without requiring precise coaxial alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible rotor performs self-alignment during assembly by utilizing its elastic deformation to automatically adjust to the pinion's rotational position. The rotor serves itself by using its flexibility to compensate for alignment errors, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or procedures
2Measurement precision
If the rotor is rigid and requires precise coaxial alignment, then the rotational position detection is accurate, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the rotor from rigid to flexible, the assembly time is significantly reduced while maintaining detection accuracy. The flexible rotor quickly adapts to the pinion's position without requiring time-consuming alignment procedures, yet still provides sufficient precision for accurate rotational position detection
3Ease of operation
If the rotor is made flexible to enable blind assembly, then the assembly process is simplified and faster, but the connection between rotor and pinion may become less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor's flexibility is carefully controlled through material selection and geometric design to maintain connection stability while enabling blind assembly. The flexible portion allows elastic deformation during assembly but still provides sufficient mechanical connection stability for reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor is designed with localized flexibility in specific regions while maintaining rigidity in other areas. The flexible portion enables blind assembly, while the rigid portions ensure stable connection and reliable rotational position detection
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 flexible rotor simplifies the assembly process by enabling self-alignment and tolerance compensation, making it possible to mount the detection device without precise coaxial alignment, thus facilitating blind assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic deformation of the radially flexible portion which occurs in this case makes it possible for the rotor to be self-aligned on the pinion
Data Source
AI summary
A steering system (10) for a vehicle is disclosed, in particular a steer-by-wire steering system, having a linearly displaceable rack (12), a drive portion of the rack (12), via which the rack (12) is moved during steering, and having a detection device (16), separate from the drive portion, for detecting a position of the rack (12), wherein the detection device (16) comprises a rotatable pinion (20) driven by the rack (12), which pinion has a toothing (21) in engagement with a toothing on the rack (12), and a rotor (32) which is in rotationally fixed engagement with the pinion (20), wherein the rotor (32) comprises at least one portion (66) which is flexible in the radial direction.