Steering Actuator Mounting on Inner Side Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles without an engine, it is challenging to mount steering actuators due to limited longitudinal space on the outer side of the side member, affecting the mountability and efficiency of the steering system.
Innovation Solution
The steering actuators are disposed on the inner side of the side member, allowing for easier installation and enhanced mountability by utilizing the available space, and a toe-angle reducing control system is implemented to manage toe angles during wheel movement, ensuring improved drivability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering actuator is disposed on the outer side of the side member, then it is easier to access for installation, but the limited longitudinal space makes mounting difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting location by placing the steering actuator on the inner side of the side member instead of the outer side. This inversion allows the actuator to be mounted in the previously unused longitudinal space on the inner side, resolving the space constraint while maintaining installability through the side member structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the mounting location from the outer side (one dimension) to the inner side of the side member (another dimension). This dimensional change allows utilization of the longitudinal space that was previously inaccessible or unused, effectively resolving the space limitation without compromising installation feasibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If the steering actuator is disposed on the inner side of the side member, then mountability is enhanced by utilizing available longitudinal space, but accessibility for installation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the mounting location to the inner side of the side member, the patent resolves the space constraint issue. The side member structure itself provides the mounting interface, maintaining ease of manufacture while utilizing the previously unused inner longitudinal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The side member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support and simultaneously serves as the mounting location for the steering actuator. This multi-functionality enhances mountability by utilizing the side member's longitudinal space while maintaining structural integrity and installation feasibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If the steering actuator extends in the longitudinal direction, then it can be mounted on the side member, but a long longitudinal space is required which is limited on the outer side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the mounting location to the inner side of the side member, where sufficient longitudinal space is available. This inversion allows the steering actuator to extend in the longitudinal direction without being constrained by the limited outer side space, resolving the contradiction between mountability and space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the mounting dimension from outer side to inner side of the side member, the patent accesses a different spatial dimension where the longitudinal space is sufficient. This allows the steering actuator to extend in the longitudinal direction while meeting the space requirements for proper mounting and operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering system including a plurality of steering devices respectively provided for a plurality of steerable wheels that belong to at least one of a front-wheel side and a rear-wheel side of a vehicle, wherein the plurality of steering devices respectively include a plurality of steering actuators, and wherein each of at least one of the plurality of steering actuators is disposed on an inner side of a corresponding one of side members of the vehicle.