Steering Column Auto-Steer Integration for Lower Component Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-steering systems for vehicles require multiple separate components for GPS data reception, processing, and user interfaces, leading to complexity, high costs, and difficult installations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated auto-steer system that combines a steering wheel actuator, control system, GNSS receiver, IMU, and user interface into a single unit, using a DC electric motor and gear assembly to automatically steer vehicles along predetermined paths, with a user-friendly interface for easy operation and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for GPS data reception, control, and user interface, then each component can be optimized independently, but the system complexity increases, installation difficulty increases, and overall cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the GPS receiver, control system, and user interface into a single integrated housing unit that mounts directly on the steering column. This merging of previously separate components into one unified device reduces the number of installation steps, eliminates the need for multiple mounting locations, and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for GPS data reception, control, and user interface, then component reliability can be individually tested, but the overall system cost increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design allows all components to be pre-tested and reliability-validated as a single unit during manufacturing, reducing field installation time from multiple separate installations to one unified installation. The single housing contains all necessary subsystems that work together as a coordinated system.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate housings are used for GPS receiver, control system, and user interface, then each component has its own protection, but the overall system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single integrated housing that provides unified protection for all internal components including the GPS receiver, control system, and user interface. This eliminates the need for multiple separate housings and their associated mounting hardware, reducing both material costs and assembly complexity while maintaining environmental protection for all sensitive electronics.
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 integrated system simplifies installation, reduces overall costs, and provides a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution for automatically steering vehicles by integrating all necessary components into a single enclosure, enhancing system reliability and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
using a DC electric motor and gear assembly to automatically steer vehicles
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel actuator is attached to a steering wheel column. The steering wheel actuator includes a gear assembly for turning a steering wheel on the steering wheel column, a motor for rotating the gear assembly, and an enclosure. A control system in the enclosure controls the motor to automatically steer the vehicle. The control system may receive global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals from a GNSS antenna and GNSS receiver located in the enclosure and automatically steer the vehicle based on the GNSS signals. The control system also may receive inertial measurement unit (IMU) signals from an IMU located in the enclosure and automatically steer the vehicle based on the IMU signals. The control system also may receive user input signals from a user interface located on the enclosure and automatically steer the vehicle based on the user input signals.