Steering Feedback Brake System with Variable Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering systems in vehicles that transition from mechanical to electric components lack the tactile feedback necessary for effective control, particularly in precision steering applications like agriculture, where operators require sensory cues to navigate accurately.
Innovation Solution
A brake system providing tactile feedback through a rotor and friction element setup, with an electromagnetic coil adding variable load, housed in a configuration with adjustable and fixed components to manage torque and compensate for non-concentricity, ensuring smooth torque transfer and adjustable resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical or electro-mechanical components are used for steering functions, then steering precision and control are improved, but tactile feedback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system provides tactile feedback to the operator through friction engagement between the brake shoe and rotor, creating resistance that mimics traditional mechanical steering feedback. This feedback loop allows the operator to sense steering conditions through the steering wheel, resolving the information loss caused by electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system acts as an intermediary between the electrical steering actuator and the operator's hands. By introducing friction-based resistance through the brake shoe and rotor, it translates electrical motion into tactile sensations, serving as a mediator that preserves sensory feedback in an otherwise electrical system.
2Loss of information
If a brake system with friction element is added to provide tactile feedback, then steering feedback is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system serves multiple functions: it provides tactile feedback through friction engagement, controls steering resistance, and can be integrated with existing steering actuators. By making the brake system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system is merged with the existing steering actuator assembly, combining the electrical motor, rotor, and brake shoe into a single integrated unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation, offsetting the added complexity of introducing tactile feedback capability.
3Force
If electromagnetic coil is used to apply variable load, then torque control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic coil enables dynamic adjustment of the braking force and torque characteristics based on real-time steering conditions. By varying the coil's electromagnetic force, the system can adapt the load requirements to match actual driving needs, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining precise torque control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the electromagnetic coil (current, voltage, pulse width modulation) to control the braking force and torque. By adjusting these electrical parameters, the system achieves precise torque control with efficient energy usage, avoiding constant high-power consumption.
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 system offers variable tactile feedback to operators, enhancing steering control by adjusting torque requirements based on steering inputs, reducing operator fatigue and maintaining consistent torque across the steering range, thus improving precision and comfort in steering vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A friction element imparts a base load to the rotor
Implementation Method 2
An electromagnetic coil is disposed adjacent the rotor to apply a variable load in addition to the base load to increase the torque above the set value
Data Source
AI summary
A brake system for providing tactile feedback in a vehicle steering system. The brake system includes an input shaft, and a rotor responsive to the shaft to rotate in response to input steering wheel inputs. A friction element imparts a base load to the rotor, and an electromagnetic coil imparts a variable load to the rotor. A housing of the brake system includes a fixed component and an intermediate component threaded together to set the base load. An adjustable component of the housing is threaded to the intermediate component to calibrate the variable load. The friction element is disposed between, and engages, both the rotor and the intermediate housing to impart the feedback loads.