Steering Column Actuator Integration for Steer-by-Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of steering columns for steer-by-wire systems is cumbersome due to the need for precise alignment of the actuator shaft and steering spindle axes, leading to potential irregularities during steering.
Innovation Solution
Designing the steering column with the upper steering spindle part acting as the actuator shaft and incorporating an axial recess in the upper part to accommodate the lower part, allowing for adjustable length and easy assembly, along with a rotatable bearing tube for reliable steering and axial movement during crashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator shaft and steering spindle are precisely aligned in conventional steering columns, then steering uniformity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator shaft and steering spindle into a single integrated component. The actuator shaft is formed as one piece with the steering spindle, eliminating the need for separate alignment of two distinct components. This merging resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining steering uniformity while dramatically simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator shaft-steering spindle component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the actuator shaft for the electric motor and the steering spindle for wheel rotation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for precise alignment between separate components, resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing complexity.
2Length of stationary object
If the steering column is made shorter to reduce installation space, then installation space requirement is improved, but adjustment range for driver height may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescopic structure where the upper steering spindle section can be inserted into and extended from the lower steering spindle section. This nesting mechanism allows the steering column to achieve a compact form when retracted while providing extended length when needed for driver height adjustment, resolving the contradiction between short length and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column incorporates a dynamic telescopic mechanism that allows the upper section to move axially relative to the lower section. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the column to change its effective length, providing both compact installation space and adequate adjustment range for different driver heights.
3Ease of manufacture
If the upper steering spindle section is made displaceable relative to the lower section for adjustment, then ease of assembly and adjustment is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the steering spindle into two separable sections: an upper section and a lower section. These segmented sections can be assembled and adjusted independently, with the upper section telescoping into the lower section. This segmentation improves ease of manufacture and assembly while the integrated design minimizes additional structural 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
This design results in a shorter steering column requiring less installation space, allowing for driver size adjustments and ensuring reliable steering without alignment issues, while also providing axial movement during crashes.
Implementation Method 1
The lower steering spindle section advantageously rests against the inner wall of this recess using at least one sliding element. This sliding element allows for easy axial displacement of the two steering spindle sections relative to each other when adjusting the steering spindle length.
Implementation Method 2
The pipe extension engages with a tube extension into a bearing tube, which is advantageously rotatably mounted in a further housing. The rotatable bearing tube ensures that the steering spindle, which is rigidly connected to the steering column, can be reliably rotated when the steering column is turned.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to steering columns for motor vehicles, having a steering shaft (1) which comprises two interlocking steering shaft parts (2, 3) that can be moved relative to each other. In steer-by-wire steering devices, a sensor detects and feeds the rotational angle position of the steering wheel to an evaluation unit, which activates an actuator (9). The actuator shaft is connected to the steering shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The production is elaborate and difficult because in particular the axes of the actuator shaft and the steering shaft must be exactly aligned. In order to simplify assembly and production, one of the two steering shaft parts (2, 3) forms the actuator shaft, thus making it very easy to assemble the actuator shaft and the steering shaft (1) with axial precision. The steering column is used in steer-by-wire steering devices in motor vehicles.