Steering Drive Layout With Spur-Planetary Gearing for Compact Axles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing servo steering units for vehicles have a large space requirement and are subject to unfavorable mechanical loads, leading to increased wear and failure.
Innovation Solution
A steering drive with a compact design using a planetary and spur gear mechanism, where the electric motor is arranged parallel to the pivot axis, reducing structural height and eliminating the need for a third planetary stage, and incorporating a spur gear stage for speed reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a column-like structural form with pedestal and housing is used, then the steering unit provides stable support and mounting capability, but it results in large space requirement and unfavorable mechanical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a column-like vertical structure to a compact horizontal arrangement by positioning the electric motor laterally adjacent to the planetary gear stages. The motor shaft connects to the first sun gear through a spur gear stage, creating a force flow path that eliminates the need for a vertical pedestal and housing structure, thereby reducing spatial footprint while maintaining mechanical stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the electric motor, planetary gear stages, and steering lever into a single compact assembly where components are closely coupled. The motor housing serves dual purposes as both motor enclosure and structural support, merging previously separate functions into unified components that reduce overall space requirements
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional steering units with pedestal and column-like construction are used, then mounting stability is achieved, but mechanical loads increase wear and lead to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes mechanical loads by changing from a vertical column structure to a horizontal compact arrangement. The force flow path through spur gear stage to planetary gear stages creates more favorable load distribution that reduces stress concentrations and wear on critical components, improving reliability while maintaining mounting stability through integrated housing design
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design with electric motor arranged parallel to pivot axis is used, then space requirement is reduced, but complex gear mechanism is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmission system into distinct functional stages: a spur gear stage for initial speed reduction and direction change, followed by two planetary gear stages for further reduction. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex transmission requirements into manageable modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear stages serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide speed reduction, torque multiplication, and compact packaging. The first planetary stage receives input from the spur gear stage and transmits to the second planetary stage, which directly drives the steering lever, creating a multi-functional transmission system that achieves compact dimensions without excessive 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
The solution achieves a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective steering drive that reduces mechanical stress and wear, suitable for vehicles with limited structural space.
Implementation Method 1
a first planetary stage with a first sun gear, first planet gears and a first planet carrier, comprising a second planetary stage with a second sun gear, second planet gears and a second planet carrier
Implementation Method 2
Torques and rotational speeds can thus be transmitted from the first sun gear to the first planet carrier
Implementation Method 3
the steering drive furthermore comprises a spur gear stage, wherein the electric motor is arranged parallel to the pivot axis, and wherein the steering drive is configured such that a force flow from the motor shaft to the first sun gear runs via the spur gear stage
Data Source
AI summary
A steering drive for a steering axle of a steerable vehicle includes an electric motor with a motor shaft. A steering lever is rotatable about a pivot axis that is parallel to the electric motor. First and second planetary stages each have a sun gear, planet gears, and a planet carrier. The steering drive is configured such that a force flow runs from the first sun gear via the first planet gears to the first planet carrier. The force flow furthermore runs via the second sun gear and via the second planet gears to the second planet carrier, and furthermore runs to the steering lever. The steering drive has a spur gear stage and is configured such that a force flow from the motor shaft to the first sun gear runs via the spur gear stage. Also disclosed is a steering axle and an industrial truck.