Steering Actuator Housing Recess for Compact Flexible Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator units for motor vehicle steering systems require significant installation space and offer limited flexibility in coupling actuator elements, particularly when designing for different steering systems, due to the proximity of the control unit to the motor, which restricts the design and assembly possibilities.
Innovation Solution
The actuator unit features a control housing with a recess extending over a circumferential section of less than or equal to 180° around the actuator axis, allowing for a compact and flexible design that accommodates a circuit board and motor, enabling both rotary and linear actuator elements, with a recess that facilitates secure assembly and efficient use of installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the control unit is located next to the motor in the control housing, then the control unit can be easily integrated and controlled, but the installation space required increases and the flexibility for coupling actuator elements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control housing is designed with a recess that extends over a circumferential section around the actuator axis, creating a three-dimensional arrangement where the control unit can be positioned in the recess rather than directly adjacent to the motor. This spatial reconfiguration reduces the overall installation space while maintaining integration capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is received within the control housing's recess, creating a nested arrangement where the control unit is housed within the larger control housing structure. This nesting approach allows the control unit to be integrated without requiring separate adjacent space, thereby reducing the total installation footprint.
2Ease of operation
If the control unit is located next to the motor, then control signals can be transmitted directly, but the possibilities for coupling actuator elements are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control housing with its circumferential recess is designed to accommodate different types of actuator elements (rotating or linearly displaceable) while maintaining the same basic structure. The recess can adapt to various actuator configurations, providing universal coupling capability across different steering system applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the actuator element to be coupled in different orientations and configurations within the recess, enabling dynamic adaptation to different steering system requirements. The recess structure permits both rotary and linear actuator elements to be integrated without requiring fundamental design changes.
3Device complexity
If the control housing is designed to accommodate the control unit next to the motor, then the structure is simple, but the design effort required for different actuator configurations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control housing is segmented with a distinct recess portion that is specifically designed to receive the control unit, separating the control housing into functional zones. This segmentation allows the recess to be optimized for control unit accommodation while the rest of the housing maintains a simple structure suitable for various actuator configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess extends over a circumferential section around the actuator axis, creating an asymmetric structure that is optimized for receiving the control unit while leaving other portions of the housing open for actuator element coupling. This asymmetric design provides versatility for different actuator configurations without requiring complex overall housing design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an actuator unit (3) for a steering system (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising a control housing (32) in which an electrical control unit (8) is accommodated, by which a motor drive unit (4) can be controlled, which is designed with the control housing (32) for mechanically driving an actuator element (35) extending along an actuator axis (A) relative to the control housing (32). In order to enable a compact design and more flexible application options with low design effort, the invention proposes that the control housing (32) have a recess (34) which extends over a circumferential section around the actuator axis (A).