Steering-Feel Unit Actuator for Dynamic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering systems, including both mechanical and steer-by-wire systems, face challenges in providing sufficient and robust steering feedback to the driver, leading to a sense of disconnection from the road.
Innovation Solution
A steering system that incorporates a steering-feel unit with at least one spring coupled to the steering wheel and an actuator that dynamically changes the spring loading and/or stiffness based on the steering wheel's angular position and vehicle speed, controlled by a position sensor and/or speed sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical coupling between the steering wheel and road wheels is used, then steering feedback is provided to the driver, but the system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into separate functional units: a steering unit with the steering wheel, a road wheel actuating unit, and a steering-feel unit. The mechanical coupling is replaced by individual components that can be independently controlled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining steering feedback through the steering-feel unit.
Solution Approach 2:
A steering-feel unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the steering wheel and the driver. This unit generates steering reaction forces to provide feedback without requiring a direct mechanical coupling between the steering wheel and road wheels, thus resolving the contradiction between feedback provision and system simplicity.
2Reliability
If a mechanical coupling between the steering wheel and road wheels is used, then steering feedback is provided to the driver, but the system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into separate functional units: a steering unit with the steering wheel, a road wheel actuating unit, and a steering-feel unit. The mechanical coupling is replaced by individual components that can be independently controlled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining steering feedback through the steering-feel unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical coupling system is replaced with an electro-mechanical system. The steering-feel unit uses actuators to generate reaction forces, substituting complex mechanical linkages with controlled actuation mechanisms, thereby reducing weight while maintaining feedback capability.
3Device complexity
If steer-by-wire system is used to omit mechanical coupling, then system complexity and weight are reduced, but steering feedback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A steering-feel unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the steering wheel and the driver. This unit generates steering reaction forces to provide feedback without requiring a direct mechanical coupling between the steering wheel and road wheels, thus resolving the contradiction between feedback provision and system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical coupling system is replaced with an electro-mechanical system. The steering-feel unit uses actuators to generate reaction forces, substituting complex mechanical linkages with controlled actuation mechanisms, thereby reducing weight while maintaining feedback capability.
4Reliability
If conventional mechanical steering system is used, then steering feedback is provided, but the feedback tunability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The steering-feel unit incorporates actuators that can dynamically adjust the steering reaction forces in real-time. This allows the steering feedback characteristics to be changed adaptively based on driving conditions, vehicle speed, or driver preferences, providing high tunability that is not possible with fixed mechanical steering systems.
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 provides a robust and straightforward method to enhance steering feedback, dynamically adjusting the steering reaction force to match the vehicle's speed and steering angle, thereby improving the driver's connection to the road.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring coupled to the steering wheel
Implementation Method 2
at least one spring coupled to the steering wheel
Implementation Method 3
an actuator for changing a spring loading and/or spring stiffness of the at least one spring
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a steering system for a vehicle, the steering system comprising a steering unit comprising a steering wheel; a steering-feel unit for generating a steering reaction force when the steering wheel is rotated, the steering-feel unit comprising at least one spring coupled to the steering wheel, and an actuator for changing a spring loading and/or spring stiffness of the at least one spring. The steering system further comprises a position sensor for measuring an angular position of the steering wheel and/or a speed sensor for measuring a vehicle speed; and a control unit for controlling the actuator, the control unit operationally coupled to the actuator and to the position sensor and/or the speed sensor, wherein the actuator is configured to change the spring loading and/or spring stiffness depending on the angular position of the steering wheel and/or the vehicle speed.