Steering Axle Planetary Drive Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-assisted steering units for vehicles, particularly in industrial trucks, are bulky and prone to mechanical stress, leading to increased wear and potential failure due to their column-like construction.
Innovation Solution
A steering axle design featuring a compact steering drive with an electric motor, planetary stages, and a rotatable ring gear, where the force flux is transmitted through sun gears, planet gears, and planet carriers, with the last planet carrier fixed to the axle housing, allowing for a space-saving and robust construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a column-like power-assisted steering unit is used, then steering assistance is provided, but the steering unit requires a large amount of space and is subject to unfavorable mechanical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional column-like steering unit design by implementing a compact steering drive with planetary stages directly integrated into the steering axle. Instead of a vertical column structure, the force flux runs through sun gears and planet gears to a rotatable ring gear, achieving steering assistance in a horizontal compact layout that reduces space requirements while improving mechanical load distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nesting by integrating multiple planetary stages within a compact steering drive assembly. The first and second planetary stages are nested within the same housing structure, with sun gears, planet gears, and ring gears arranged concentrically. This nested configuration allows the steering unit to provide adequate steering assistance while occupying minimal space
2Ease of operation
If a column-like power-assisted steering unit is used, then steering assistance is provided, but unfavorable mechanical loads lead to increased wear and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional force transmission path by having the electric motor drive sun gears that rotate planet gears, which in turn rotate the ring gear for steering output. This inverted planetary gear arrangement distributes mechanical loads more favorably across multiple contact points compared to the traditional column structure, reducing wear and improving durability while maintaining steering assistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional hydraulic or mechanical power-assisted steering system with an electrically assisted steering system. The electric motor provides steering assistance through electrical actuation of the planetary stages, eliminating the need for hydraulic pumps and complex mechanical linkages that are prone to wear and failure in column-like structures
3Ease of operation
If a traditional steering drive with multiple planetary stages is used, then steering control is achieved, but the construction is complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first and second planetary stages into a single integrated steering drive assembly. The sun gears, planet gears, and ring gears of both stages are combined within one housing, with the electric motor directly coupled to the first sun gear. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall construction while maintaining the steering control function
Solution Approach 2:
The ring gear serves multiple functions: it acts as the output element for steering control, provides structural support for the planetary stages, and enables compact integration of the entire steering drive. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall design while achieving effective steering control
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 results in a more compact and durable steering axle that reduces mechanical stress and wear, enabling efficient steering while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for industrial trucks and other vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a first planetary stage having a first sun gear, first planet gears and a first planet carrier, having a last planetary stage having a last sun gear, last planet gears and a last planet carrier
Implementation Method 2
a force flux from the motor shaft runs by way of the first sun gear and the first planet gears to the first planet carrier, and that the force flux furthermore runs by way of the last sun gear to the last planet gears
Data Source
AI summary
A steering axle for a steerable vehicle has an axle housing and a steering drive with an electric motor and motor shaft. A first planetary stage includes a first sun gear, first planet gears, and a first planet carrier. A last planetary stage includes a last sun gear, last planet gears, a last planet carrier, and a ring gear. A force flux from the motor shaft runs via the first sun gear and the first planet gears to the first planet carrier. The force flux furthermore runs via the last sun gear to the last planet gears. The force flux furthermore runs from the last planet gears to the ring gear. In relation to the axle housing, the ring gear is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis. The last planet carrier is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the axle housing. Also disclosed is a corresponding industrial truck.