Steering Clutch Decoupling for Autonomous Evasive Maneuvers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering systems in automotive and industrial applications lack efficient mechanisms for decoupling the steering wheel from tires during automatic evasive maneuvers, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential injuries in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A steering decoupling device featuring an output clutch jaw, an input clutch jaw, a housing, a thrust washer, a heavy-duty internal retaining ring, and a disc spring that allows the output clutch jaw to be securely mounted, enabling translation between engaged and disengaged positions, facilitating safe shutdown and re-engagement of the steering system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the steering wheel is directly connected to the tires, then the steering system provides direct control, but automatic evasive maneuvers cannot outperform human-initiated steering maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is segmented into two independent clutch jaws (input and output) that can engage and disengage separately. This segmentation allows the steering wheel to be decoupled from the tires during automatic maneuvers while maintaining direct connection during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between automation efficiency and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch jaws are designed with dynamic engagement and disengagement capabilities, allowing the steering system to transition between coupled and decoupled states. This dynamic behavior enables full authority control for automation when needed while maintaining simplicity for human control during normal operation.
2Extent of automation
If a steering decoupling mechanism is implemented, then full authority is provided to the automation system, but the device requires additional components (clutch jaws, thrust washer, retaining ring, disc spring)
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (clutch jaws, thrust washer, retaining ring, disc spring) are merged into a compact integrated assembly that fits within the existing steering column housing. This merging approach provides full automation authority while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity and component count.
3Reliability
If the output clutch jaw is securely mounted with thrust washer and retaining ring, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust washer and heavy-duty internal retaining ring are pre-installed on the output clutch jaw during manufacturing, creating a pre-assembled unit that is then installed as a single component. This preliminary action ensures reliable mounting while simplifying the final assembly process and reducing manufacturing 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 device ensures safe disengagement of the steering system, reducing the risk of injuries and enabling seamless transitions between autonomous and operator-controlled modes, allowing for repetitive use without replacement, and ensuring perfect recoupling orientation.
Implementation Method 1
a disc spring residing within the housing configured to provide tension between the output clutch jaw and the input clutch jaw
Data Source
AI summary
A steering decoupling device includes an output clutch jaw, an input clutch jaw, a housing encompassing the output clutch jaw and the input clutch jaw, a thrust washer and a heavy-duty internal retaining ring for ensuring that the output clutch jaw is securely mounted within the housing, a disc spring residing within the housing configured to provide tension between the output clutch jaw and the input clutch jaw, an intermediate shaft that includes output clutch jaw, and a steering shaft that includes the input clutch jaw, the intermediate shaft and the steering shaft configured to translate relative to each other from a first position in which the output clutch jaw and the input clutch jaw are engaged to a second position in which the output clutch jaw and the input clutch jaw are disengaged.