Steering Actuator Position Sensing With a Rolling Wheel Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems face complexity in production and operational reliability issues due to contamination affecting position sensors on actuator rods, leading to measurement inaccuracies and frequent failures.
Innovation Solution
A steering actuator system with a rotation sensor that converts translational movement of the actuator rod into rotational movement using a running wheel on a track, protected by a flexible and resilient design, ensuring accurate position detection despite external influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If position sensor apparatus is fitted directly on the actuator rod to measure linear position, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to contamination from lubricant or dust
Solution Approach 1:
A running wheel is introduced as an intermediary element between the actuator rod and the rotation sensor. The running wheel converts the linear movement of the actuator rod into rotational movement of the sensor shaft, allowing the sensor to be positioned away from the contaminated actuator rod while still accurately measuring position through the mechanical coupling of the rolling interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct linear measurement approach is replaced with an indirect rotational measurement system. Instead of using a linear sensor directly on the actuator rod, the system uses a running wheel mechanism to convert linear displacement into rotational displacement, which is then measured by a rotation sensor, substituting the mechanical measurement method to achieve contamination resistance.
2Measurement precision
If rotation sensor with running wheel is used to convert translational movement to rotational movement, then measurement precision is improved and sensor is protected from contaminants, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The running wheel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical interface to convert linear to rotational movement, serves as a protective barrier shielding the sensor from contaminants, and functions as a rolling element that provides smooth mechanical coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If actuator rod is exposed to contaminants, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but operational reliability deteriorates due to measurement failures
Solution Approach 1:
The running wheel acts as a protective intermediary that shields the rotation sensor and its shaft from direct exposure to contaminants on the actuator rod. This mechanical barrier maintains ease of manufacture by using simple rolling contact geometry while significantly improving operational reliability by preventing contamination-related measurement failures.
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
Enhances measurement precision and operational reliability by shielding the sensor from contaminants and absorbing transverse forces, allowing for a robust and cost-effective construction.
Implementation Method 1
a running wheel (64) which can roll on a corresponding linear track (46) of the actuator rod (42) in order to convert a translational movement of the actuator rod (42) into a rotation of the sensor shaft (62)
Data Source
AI summary
A steering actuator for a steering system for a motor vehicle may include an actuator rod that can be displaced in translation in a longitudinal direction thereof and a position sensor apparatus that is constructed to detect a linear position of the actuator rod. In order to enable less complex production and a higher level of operational reliability, the position sensor apparatus may include a rotation sensor that has a sensor shaft that can be rotated about an axis and that has a running wheel that can roll on a corresponding linear track of the actuator rod to convert a translational movement of the actuator rod into a rotation of the sensor shaft.