Steering Actuator Tongs for Autonomous Vehicle Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for safe and efficient operation of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in hazardous environments, such as Truck Mounted Attenuators and military applications, where human drivers are at risk, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for remote or autonomous control without compromising safety or requiring extensive modifications.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-platform applique kit (M-PAK) that can be retrofitted onto vehicles, featuring a steering actuator with a servo motor and tongs to control the steering wheel, along with a navigation system and actuators for remote or autonomous operation, allowing for seamless transition between manual and unmanned modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a steering actuator with servo motor and tongs is installed to enable remote control, then autonomous operation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering actuator assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in fully autonomous mode with servo motor control, semi-autonomous mode with manual override capability, and completely manual mode when the actuator is disengaged. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate systems, achieving automation enhancement without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering control system is divided into separable components: the steering actuator assembly can be independently installed or removed from the vehicle's existing steering column. This segmentation allows the automation components to be added without modifying the core manual steering system, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity to only the autonomous control portion.
2Extent of automation
If actuators are coupled to steering wheel for remote operation, then remote control capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to coupling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the steering actuator and steering wheel is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The actuator can be engaged or disengaged from the steering wheel spokes as needed, allowing the system to switch between autonomous and manual operation modes. This dynamic coupling maintains ease of manual operation when needed while enabling remote control capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongs serve as an intermediary component between the servo motor and the steering wheel. Rather than directly coupling the motor to the steering column, the tongs engage with the steering wheel spokes to transmit rotational force. This intermediary approach allows remote control operation without permanently altering the manual steering mechanism, preserving ease of manual operation.
3Extent of automation
If extensive modifications are made to enable unmanned operation, then autonomous control is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous control system is designed as a separate, self-contained steering actuator assembly that can be installed on existing vehicles without extensive modifications. The actuator mounts to the steering column and engages with the steering wheel spokes through the existing steering mechanism, avoiding the need to redesign or extensively modify the vehicle's original steering system, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering actuator assembly is designed with universal compatibility to work with standard steering wheel configurations. The tongs can engage with various spoke arrangements, and the actuator mounting interface accommodates different steering column designs. This universality allows the autonomous control system to be manufactured and installed across multiple vehicle platforms without requiring extensive custom modifications for each application.
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 safe and efficient operation of UGVs in hazardous environments by allowing remote or autonomous control, reducing driver risk and operational costs, while allowing for easy conversion between manual and unmanned operation without removing any subassemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The device can also have a servo motor having a pinion gear drivingly engaged with the inner gear ring within the gear race, the servo motor configured to receive commands from a navigation computer
Implementation Method 2
The steering actuator can have a servo motor coupled to the outer housing and operable to move the inner gear ring and the tongs
Implementation Method 3
The one or more tongs can extend through an interior portion of the steering wheel and interacting with the spokes without being coupled to any portion of the steering wheel
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a device and a system for retrofitting a vehicle for unmanned operation. The system can have a navigation computer that can provide commands to a plurality of actuators for manipulating the onboard controls of a vehicle. The navigation computer can receive input from one or more remote operators and from a variety of sensors. The plurality of actuators can include a steering actuator that surrounds a steering column or a steering column housing to engage with a steering wheel of the vehicle. The steering actuator can have tongs that engage the steering wheel. The tongs can be coupled to an inner gear ring that can rotate within an outer housing of the steering actuator. Rotation of the tongs can interact with and move the steering wheel in response to commands from the navigation computer.