Electric Steering Column With Variable Shaft Steering Ratio Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric steering systems fail to adjust steering responsibility based on driving conditions, leading to suboptimal steering performance as the steering torque remains constant regardless of vehicle speed or driver input.
Innovation Solution
An electric steering column device with a variable shaft and driving module that adjusts the rotation speed of the second shaft relative to the first shaft, allowing the steering responsibility to be dynamically changed based on driving information, such as speed and steering torque, through a controller and power transfer mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed shaft structure is used to transfer torque from steering wheel to gear box, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the steering responsibility cannot be adjusted based on driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft structure is divided into three separate shafts (first shaft, second shaft, variable shaft) instead of using a single fixed shaft. This segmentation allows each shaft to have specific functions: the first shaft receives torque from the steering wheel, the variable shaft transmits torque while allowing axial movement, and the second shaft transmits torque to the gear box. This enables independent control of torque transmission paths to achieve adjustable steering responsibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable shaft is designed to be movable in the axial direction rather than being fixed. The axial position of the variable shaft can be dynamically adjusted by a driving module based on driving conditions (such as vehicle speed and steering angle). This dynamic adjustment changes the torque transmission ratio between the first and second shafts, thereby adjusting the steering responsibility to match different driving scenarios.
2Reliability
If constant steering torque is applied regardless of vehicle speed, then the steering system is simple to control, but the steering performance is suboptimal across different driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives feedback signals about driving conditions (such as vehicle speed and steering angle) and uses this information to dynamically adjust the axial position of the variable shaft. This feedback mechanism ensures that the steering responsibility is continuously optimized based on actual driving conditions, improving steering performance and reliability across different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the torque transmission parameter by adjusting the axial position of the variable shaft based on driving conditions. At different vehicle speeds and steering angles, the variable shaft is positioned differently to achieve optimal steering responsibility. This parameter adjustment allows the steering system to adapt to varying driving conditions without requiring a completely different control strategy.
3Productivity
If a variable shaft mechanism is introduced to adjust rotation speed ratio, then steering performance is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable shaft acts as an intermediary element between the first shaft (connected to steering wheel) and the second shaft (connected to gear box). By introducing this intermediate variable shaft with axial movement capability, the system can adjust the torque transmission ratio without requiring complex variable geometry mechanisms in the gear box or steering wheel itself. The bearing supporting the variable shaft provides the necessary axial movement while maintaining rotational connection.
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 solution enables optimized steering performance by adjusting steering response speed according to driving conditions, enhancing steering responsibility and satisfaction across various driving scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a rack bar coupled to the third bearing and gear-connected to the pinion to linearly move in the axial direction at the time of the rotation of the pinion
Implementation Method 2
The first shaft may be connected to one end portion of the variable shaft in a spline structure
Implementation Method 3
the second shaft may be connected to the other end portion of the variable shaft in a screw structure
Data Source
AI summary
An electric steering column device includes a column housing, and a first shaft, a connection shaft and a second shaft provided in the column housing. The connection shaft is movable in an axial direction of the first shaft and the second shaft and is connected to the first shaft and the second shaft so as to rotate together with the first shaft and the second shaft. The first and second shaft are connected to the connection shaft so that the first shaft always rotates at the same rotation speed and that a rotation speed of the second shaft is varied depending on whether or not the connection shaft moves in the axial direction. The device is capable of securing an optimized steering performance by adjusting steering responsibility of a steering wheel depending on a driving state of the vehicle.