Steering Angle Limiting Mechanism for Clock Spring Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In steering-by-wire systems, the absence of mechanical limitation on the steering shaft leads to potential damage to components like clock springs and angle sensors due to arbitrary rotation of the steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
A rotation angle limiting mechanism comprising a turntable with fitting structures that engage with limiting structures on a moving member to restrict steering shaft rotation, ensuring the steering wheel cannot exceed predefined limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a steering-by-wire system is used to cancel mechanical connection between steering wheel and wheel hub, then steering control flexibility is improved, but the steering shaft becomes vulnerable to arbitrary rotation causing component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation angle limiting mechanism is pre-configured with limiting structures that engage with the turntable to prevent excessive rotation before it can damage components. The mechanism includes a moving member with limiting structures that physically block the steering shaft from rotating beyond safe angles, thereby applying preliminary protective action against potential damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The turntable serves as an intermediary component between the steering shaft and the limiting mechanism. It features fitting structures that interact with the moving member's limiting structures, creating a mediating mechanism that controls rotation angles without directly connecting the steering wheel to the wheel hub, thus maintaining steering-by-wire flexibility while enabling mechanical angle limitation.
2Reliability
If a rotation angle limiting mechanism is added to the steering shaft, then component protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation angle limiting mechanism is merged with the existing steering shaft assembly. The turntable is configured to rotate together with the steering shaft, and the moving member with limiting structures is integrated into the same assembly, combining the limiting function with the existing steering components rather than adding completely separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The turntable serves multiple functions: it rotates with the steering shaft to transmit steering input, and simultaneously engages with the limiting structures on the moving member to enforce rotation angle limits. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated limiting mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotation angle limiting mechanism and a vehicle steering system and a vehicle having same are provided. The rotation angle limiting mechanism (100) includes: a turntable (1), where at least one fitting structure (11) is arranged on the turntable (1); and a moving member (2), where a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure are arranged on the moving member (2); the turntable (1) rotates and drives the moving member (1) to move so that the fitting structure (11) abuts against one of the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure; the turntable (1) is at a first extreme position when the fitting structure (11) abuts against the first limiting structure; and the turntable (1) is at a second extreme position when the fitting structure (11) abuts against the second limiting structure.