Steering Actuator Optical Fiber Sensing for Precise Parameter Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor devices for measuring actuator parameters in steering systems are complex and inefficient, particularly when high reliability and accuracy are required.

Innovation Solution

The use of an optical measuring fiber connected to the actuator rod, which detects actuator parameters through changes in light transmission due to external influences, allowing for force, position, and other parameter measurements with reduced design complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional sensor devices are used to measure actuator parameters, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and design effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator parameter measurementVSAvoidsensor device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electrical sensor devices with an optical measurement system. An optical fiber is embedded in the actuator rod, and a optical sensor measures parameters like position and force by detecting light transmission changes through the fiber, eliminating complex electrical sensing components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical fiber serves multiple measurement functions simultaneously - it can detect position, force, and other actuator parameters by monitoring changes in light transmission, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors

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

2Reliability

If multiple actuator parameters are measured with high reliability and accuracy, then measurement quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidsensor device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical measurement system provides reliable measurements without electrical interference, using light transmission through an embedded fiber rather than electrical sensors, thereby achieving high reliability with simpler device architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical fiber acts as an intermediary that transmits measurement information about the actuator rod's state (position, force, etc.) to the sensor without requiring direct electrical contact or complex sensing mechanisms at the measurement location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables accurate and reliable measurement of actuator parameters with minimal design effort, as the optical method is robust and insensitive to electrical interference.

Implementation Method 1

at least one optical measuring fiber extended in a fiber direction, into which a light signal can be introduced in the fiber direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical fiber: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

detects actuator parameters through changes in light transmission due to external influences

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission changes: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4458651B1Steering actuator for a steering system of a motor vehicle and method for operating a steering actuator
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG
  • EP4458651B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4458651B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4458651B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a steering actuator (4) for a steering system (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising an actuator rod (5) mounted translationally axially displaceable in its longitudinal direction in a sliding bushing (7), a drive unit (42), and a sensor device (8) designed for detecting at least one actuator parameter. To enable improved measurement of actuator parameters, the invention proposes that the sensor device comprise at least one optical measuring fiber (8) extending in one fiber direction, into which a light signal can be introduced in the fiber direction, and which is connected to the actuator rod (5).