Steering Force Actuator With Elastic Carrier Pin Backlash Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering systems face challenges in minimizing backlash and gear transmission errors, leading to increased noise and vibration due to fixed shaft distances and clearance issues in planetary gear-type reducers, which are exacerbated in steer-by-wire systems.
Innovation Solution
A steering force actuator design incorporating a housing, motor, sun gear, ring gear, carrier, and an elastic relaxation part on the carrier to minimize backlash by preloading the carrier pins, ensuring even load transmission and reducing gear jamming through self-location adjustment of the carrier pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional planetary gear-type reducer with fixed shaft distance is used, then the structure is simple, but backlash between gears increases leading to poor steering feel and increased noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic relaxation part that allows the carrier pins to dynamically adjust their positions based on load conditions. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying operating conditions while maintaining minimal backlash, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and precision control.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic relaxation part changes the physical state of the carrier pin connection from rigid to flexible, allowing elastic deformation under load. This parameter change enables the system to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and maintain consistent meshing conditions, improving backlash control without complicating the overall structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If clearance compensation devices are applied to conventional planetary gear reducers, then backlash may be reduced, but the device complexity increases and application becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic relaxation part enables the carrier pins to self-adjust their positions automatically based on the applied load. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external clearance compensation devices, achieving backlash reduction while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the rigidity parameter of the carrier pin connection through the elastic relaxation part, the system achieves automatic clearance compensation. The elastic deformation allows the pins to shift position as needed, providing precision control without adding complex compensation mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If carrier pins are rigidly fixed in the carrier, then the structure is stable, but load transmission becomes uneven and gear jamming occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic relaxation part transforms the rigid carrier pin connection into a dynamic system that can adapt to load variations. The carrier pins can shift position elastically under load, ensuring even distribution of forces across all planetary gears and preventing jamming while maintaining overall structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic relaxation part acts as a cushioning element that anticipates and absorbs load variations before they cause uneven transmission or jamming. By providing elastic compliance in advance, the system smooths out load fluctuations and prevents problematic conditions from occurring.
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 design effectively reduces gear transmission errors and operating noise by maintaining minimal backlash, preventing gear jamming, and ensuring smooth load distribution to planetary gears, thereby enhancing steering feel and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic relaxation part mounted on the carrier to reduce backlash
Implementation Method 2
preloading the carrier pins, ensuring even load transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A steering force actuator includes: a housing; a motor mounted in the housing and configured to provide a rotational force; a sun gear rotating by the motor; a ring gear mounted in the housing and disposed to surround the sun gear; a carrier rotating by meshing between the sun gear and the ring gear, wherein a steering shaft interlocked with a steering wheel is mounted on the carrier; and an elastic relaxation part mounted on the carrier to reduce backlash.