Steering Axle Linkage Layout for Compact, Wear-Resistant Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering axles for steerable vehicles require significant space and are prone to mechanical wear due to unfavorable loads, leading to premature failure.
Innovation Solution
A steering axle design featuring a compact arrangement of components, including a steering motor and gear within an axle housing, with intermediate steering levers and tie rods that allow for efficient steering angle adjustment and improved mechanical stability, reducing space requirements and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a columnar steering unit design is used, then the steering function is achieved, but the space requirement increases and mechanical loads become unfavorable
Solution Approach 1:
The steering unit is divided into functionally independent components: a steering motor (6) for generating steering torque, a steering gear (16) for torque transmission and amplification, and separate steering knuckles (4, 5) for wheel positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and arranged in a space-efficient configuration within the axle housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical columnar layout to a horizontal arrangement within the axle housing. The steering motor and gear are positioned laterally, and the intermediate steering levers extend horizontally to connect the steering arms, effectively utilizing the horizontal dimension to reduce the vertical space requirement and improve mechanical load distribution.
2Reliability
If a columnar steering unit design is used, then the steering function is achieved, but mechanical loads increase leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate steering levers (11, 12) as intermediary components between the steering arms and the coupling rod. These levers act as mechanical mediators that distribute and balance the forces transmitted through the steering mechanism, reducing peak loads on individual components and preventing premature failure through more favorable force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering mechanism employs asymmetric linkages and lever arm configurations that are optimized for force distribution. The intermediate steering levers have different lengths and mounting positions that create asymmetric force paths, allowing the system to better handle unequal loads during steering operations and reduce stress concentrations.
3Area of stationary object
If intermediate steering levers are added, then mechanical stability improves and space efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate steering levers (11, 12) are integrated with the existing steering mechanism components rather than being completely separate additions. The levers share mounting points with the axle housing and coupling rod, and their motion paths are coordinated with the steering knuckles, effectively merging multiple functions into a unified mechanism that achieves space efficiency without proportional increases in complexity.
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
The design achieves a more compact and mechanically stable steering axle that can withstand high wheel forces, enabling efficient cornering and reducing the risk of premature failure.
Implementation Method 1
a steering motor (6), in particular a three-phase brushless electric motor
Implementation Method 2
a steering gear (16), wherein the steering gear (16) is designed as a planetary gear
Implementation Method 3
a first intermediate steering lever (11) and a second intermediate steering lever (12), wherein the first intermediate steering lever (11) is articulated at a first end to the axle beam (1) and at a second end articulated to the coupling rod (9)
Data Source
AI summary
A steering axle for a steerable vehicle includes an axle housing, a steering motor, a steering gear, a first steering knuckle with a first steering arm, a second steering knuckle with a second steering arm, a coupling rod, a first tie rod, and a second tie rod. The first and second steering arms are each rigidly arranged on a respective steering knuckle that is hinged in the axle housing. The first and second tie rods are each hinged at a first end to a respective steering arm and hinged at a second end to the coupling rod. The steering axle is configured so that the steering motor can set a steering angle of the steering axle via the steering gear. The steering axle has first and second intermediate steering levers, each hinged at its first end to the axle body and hinged at its second end to the coupling rod.