Steer-by-Wire Planetary Stop Mechanism for Steering Feel

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Solution Overview

Problem

In steer by wire type steering systems, the lack of mechanical connection between the steering wheel and vehicle wheels results in indefinite rotation of the steering wheel, reducing driver's steering feel and stability.

Innovation Solution

A sun gear coupled to a steering shaft, a planetary gear, a ring gear, and a carrier mechanism are used to mechanically limit the steering wheel rotation when the vehicle wheel reaches its maximum point, enhancing steering feel and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of stationary object

If a steer by wire type steering system is used to eliminate mechanical connection components, then the vehicle body can be compact and lightweight, but the steering wheel can rotate indefinitely reducing driver's steering feeling and stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle body weightVSAvoidsteering stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection components (steering column, universal joint, pinion shaft) with an electric motor-based steer-by-wire system, eliminating mechanical linkages to achieve compact and lightweight vehicle body while maintaining steering control through electrical actuation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic mechanical stop mechanism that engages only when the steering wheel reaches its maximum rotation position, allowing free rotation during normal operation for lightweight design while providing mechanical limitation at extreme positions to maintain steering stability and driver feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If mechanical connection components are removed in steer by wire system, then device complexity is reduced, but the driver's steering feeling is reduced due to indefinite rotation of steering wheel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering system complexityVSAvoidsteering feeling

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary mechanical connection components (steering column, universal joint, pinion shaft) from the steering system, retaining only the essential mechanical stop mechanism to provide tactile feedback while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mechanical stop as an intermediary element that provides tactile feedback to the driver at maximum steering positions, mediating between the electric motor actuation and the driver's hands to restore natural steering feeling without requiring complex mechanical linkages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12522278B2Steer by wire type steering apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 HL MANDO CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sun gear coupled to a steering shaft connected to a steering wheel operated by a driver and rotating in interlocking motion, a planetary gear externally coupled to the sun gear, a ring gear to which the planetary gear is internally coupled, a first support protrusion is provided at one end of the axial direction, and is coupled to and fixed to an inner circumferential surface of a gear housing, and a carrier to which a rotation shaft of the planetary gear is coupled and provided with a second support protrusion supported by the first support protrusion on an outer circumferential side.