Steering Feedback Actuator Gear Layout for Backlash Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering feedback actuators in steer-by-wire systems have complex mechanisms, high manufacturing costs, and are prone to noise due to gear backlash, necessitating an improvement in structural design.
Innovation Solution
A steering feedback actuator design that adjusts the interaxial distance between the steering column and motor shaft by using adjustable gear parts and a movable motor housing, allowing for backlash compensation and noise reduction through the use of plastic and metal gear materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional reducers (worm reducer, belt type reducer, planetary gear reducer) are used in steering feedback actuators, then steering feedback function is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex reducer mechanism from the steering feedback actuator. By directly engaging the motor shaft with the steering column through a simplified gear engagement structure, the patent removes the intermediate reducer components while maintaining the essential steering feedback function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a reducer to reduce motor speed and increase torque, the patent inverts the approach by using a high-speed motor with a direct engagement mechanism. The motor shaft directly drives the steering column through gear parts, reversing the conventional speed-reduction approach while achieving the same functional outcome.
2Reliability
If conventional reducers with gear mechanisms are used, then steering feedback function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive reducer assembly from the design, eliminating complex manufacturing processes associated with precision gear reducers. The simplified direct engagement structure requires fewer manufacturing steps and lower-cost components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective gear parts that can be manufactured using standard machining processes rather than expensive precision reducer components. This approach uses readily available materials and manufacturing methods to reduce overall system cost.
3Reliability
If reducers with gear backlash are used, then steering feedback function is achieved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by eliminating the gear backlash issue entirely through direct motor shaft engagement with the steering column. This removes the source of noise generation associated with gear meshing and backlash in traditional reducer systems.
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting the intermediate gear stages from the power transmission path, the patent eliminates the primary noise source. The direct engagement mechanism reduces the number of gear interfaces where backlash-induced noise can occur.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering feedback actuator includes a housing part (100), a steering column (200) rotatably accommodated within the housing part (100) and arranged in a first direction, a first gear part (300) coupled to the steering column (200) so as to rotate with the steering column (200), and an electric motor part (400) including a motor housing (410) coupled to the housing part (100) to cover an opening (100a) of the housing part (100), and a motor shaft (420) rotatably coupled to the motor housing (410) and having a second gear part (421) engaged with the first gear part (300).