Steering Safety Device with Integrated Cylinder Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering locks for commercial vehicles are heavy, space-consuming, and prone to failure due to environmental factors, failing to adequately prevent unintentional steering movements, especially during reversing or hydraulic system failures.
Innovation Solution
A compact steering lock design utilizing existing components of the commercial vehicle wheel suspension, where a blocking unit is integrated into the housing of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, engaging with the steering rod to prevent displacement and featuring a restoring mechanism to ensure secure locking without additional hydraulic or compressed air systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external locking systems are mounted on the steering system, then steering movement can be prevented mechanically or hydraulically, but the system becomes very heavy and occupies a disproportionately large share of the available installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is integrated directly into the steering cylinder housing, merging the locking function with the existing hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder structure. This eliminates the need for separate external locking systems, significantly reducing weight and installation space while maintaining steering safety functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The steering cylinder housing serves multiple functions: it contains the hydraulic/pneumatic mechanism for steering actuation and simultaneously houses the locking unit that prevents unauthorized steering movement. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system weight and space requirements by eliminating redundant components
2Reliability
If external locking systems are mounted on the steering system, then steering movement can be prevented mechanically or hydraulically, but the system occupies a disproportionately large share of the available installation space in the chassis area
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is integrated directly into the steering cylinder housing, merging the locking function with the existing hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder structure. This eliminates the need for separate external locking systems, significantly reducing weight and installation space while maintaining steering safety functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit is nested within the steering cylinder housing, with the locking element positioned inside the cylinder bore and the locking carrier integrated into the housing structure. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall footprint and installation space required for the steering safety device
3Reliability
If locking systems are mounted externally on the steering system, then steering movement can be prevented, but they are susceptible to debris being thrown up and can become blocked by deposits during operation of the commercial vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is integrated directly into the steering cylinder housing, merging the locking function with the existing hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder structure. This eliminates the need for separate external locking systems, significantly reducing weight and installation space while maintaining steering safety functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates within the sealed, protected environment of the steering cylinder housing, which shields the locking elements from external contaminants such as debris and deposits. This protected environment prevents blocking and ensures reliable operation of the locking unit during commercial vehicle operation
4Weight of stationary object
If a compact steering lock design is used integrating existing components, then weight and installation space are reduced, but the locking mechanism must ensure sufficient security against unintentional steering movements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element features an undercut geometry that creates a mechanical interference fit with the rod, preventing unintended disengagement. The curved undercut profile ensures that the locking element can only be disengaged by applying sufficient force in the correct direction, providing secure locking while maintaining a compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is pre-positioned in the locked state, with the holding means (spring or hydraulic/pneumatic actuator) already engaged to maintain the locked position. This preliminary locking action ensures that the steering rod is secured against unintentional movement from the outset, while the compact integrated design keeps weight and space requirements low
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 solution provides a lightweight, space-efficient steering lock that effectively prevents unintentional steering movements, maintaining operational reliability even in the event of hydraulic system failures, while being protected from environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
a restoring means engages the locking carrier which, upon release, moves the locking unit into the second state
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering safety device comprising a rod (2), a housing and a blocking unit (6), said rod (2) being guided on the housing along an actuation axis, the blocking unit (6) being able to be brought into a first state in which it does not engage with the rod (2), and said blocking unit (6) being able to be brought into a second state in which it engages with the rod (2) and said rod (2) is secured against displacement along the actuation axis.