Steering Column Rotation Restraint for Steer-By-Wire Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steer-by-wire steering apparatuses require constant power for the steering feedback actuator and have large actuating parts, posing a risk of injury when the driver gets in or out of a vehicle, especially when the vehicle is not started, due to idling of the steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus with a rotation restraint mechanism that includes a main lead screw, a movable nut, and elastic members to restrict the steering column's rotation mechanically, using a nut movement range adjusting part and control system to adjust the range of movement based on driver input and vehicle conditions, preventing excessive rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a steer-by-wire steering apparatus is used, then the steering system can be controlled electrically without mechanical connection, but the steering feedback actuator requires constant power and has large actuating parts that pose injury risk when driver gets in or out
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation restraint mechanism is activated in advance when the vehicle is not started and the driver is expected to get in or out. It restricts the steering column rotation range before the driver interacts with the steering wheel, preventing the harmful idling effect that could cause injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column rotation restriction is dynamically adjusted based on vehicle operating conditions. The control unit varies the rotation range according to whether the vehicle is started and other conditions, allowing full rotation when driving but limiting rotation when parked, thus adapting the system behavior to different operational states.
2Reliability
If the steering feedback actuator is constantly powered to provide feedback, then steering control is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of constant operation, the rotation restraint mechanism is activated periodically based on vehicle conditions. The control unit determines when to activate the restriction based on whether the vehicle is started and other conditions, allowing the system to remain inactive during normal driving while providing protection when parked.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the steering column rotation is restricted when vehicle is not started, then driver safety is improved, but the mechanism adds complexity to the steering system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a mechanical rotation restraint mechanism that uses a lead screw and nut assembly. This mechanical approach provides reliable physical restriction of the steering column rotation while being simpler and more reliable than purely electronic solutions.
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
Prevents driver injury by restricting the steering column's rotation when the driver gets in or out of the vehicle, reducing the need for constant power and minimizing noise and wear, while allowing normal operation when the vehicle is driven.
Implementation Method 1
a main elastic member that forms feedback when the nut moves
Implementation Method 2
a first auxiliary elastic member disposed between one side of the nut and the first guide member; and a second auxiliary elastic member disposed between the other side of the nut and the second guide member
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a steering apparatus including a steering wheel which is manipulated by a driver of a vehicle and a steering column which is turned by the steering wheel. The steering apparatus may include a rotation restraint mechanism which is able to restrict the rotation of the steering column by providing mechanical feedback to the steering column.