Mechanical Steering Wheel End-Stop for Compact Rotation Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power steering systems for vehicles are complex and heavy, requiring numerous components, and steer-by-wire systems face challenges in cost and packaging due to the need for an end-stopper to restrict steering wheel rotation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an end-stopper mechanism inside a housing, featuring a lead screw, stoppers, and a nut with an elastic member, which limits steering wheel rotation to a predetermined angle by surface contact between the nut and stopper jaws, reducing complexity and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor-driven end-stopper is used to restrict steering wheel rotation, then the steering wheel rotation angle can be limited, but cost and packaging space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor-driven end-stopper with a purely mechanical end-stopper mechanism consisting of a lead screw, nut, and stopper jaws. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for motors, sensors, and control systems while achieving the same function of limiting steering wheel rotation to a predetermined angle, thereby reducing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical end-stopper system is self-regulating through the lead screw and nut mechanism. When the steering wheel reaches the predetermined rotation angle, the stopper jaws automatically engage with the nut to prevent further rotation, without requiring external control or power sources. This self-service characteristic reduces system complexity
2Reliability
If a motor-driven end-stopper is used to restrict steering wheel rotation, then the steering wheel rotation angle can be limited, but packaging space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the end-stopper mechanism within the existing steering shaft housing. The lead screw is coupled to the steering shaft, the nut moves along the lead screw within the housing, and the stopper jaws are positioned inside the housing. This nested arrangement utilizes existing space and eliminates the need for separate motor assemblies and control electronics, thereby reducing packaging space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the motor and electronic control components from the end-stopper system, leaving only the essential mechanical elements (lead screw, nut, stopper jaws). This extraction reduces the volume required for the end-stopper mechanism by removing bulky motor assemblies and associated 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 apparatus effectively limits steering wheel rotation to a predetermined angle, enhancing vehicle stability and driver convenience while reducing system complexity and cost, allowing for adjustable steering ratio based on vehicle speed.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw coupled to an end of the steering shaft; a nut passing through the lead screw
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member inserted into the mounting portion. The elastic member may protrude from the chamfered portion at a predetermined interval
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus for limiting rotation of a steering wheel, and more particularly, an apparatus for limiting rotation of a steering wheel, whereby a rotation angle of the steering wheel can be limited to a predetermined angle. The apparatus for limiting rotation of the steering wheel, installed in a steering system, includes: an end-stopper disposed inside a housing through which a steering shaft on which the steering wheel is installed, passes, and the end-stopper limiting a rotation angle of the steering wheel to a predetermined angle.