Electromechanical Steering Gear With Dual-Path Bevel Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic power steering systems in utility vehicles are inefficient in terms of energy consumption and require complex installation and maintenance, including separate lines between the steering pump and gear.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical steering system with a robust, low-maintenance, and compact steering gear, utilizing a bevel gear with two planetary servo gears connected in series, driven by an electric motor, to efficiently transfer rotational movement into pivoting movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a hydraulic power steering system is used, then steering force is provided, but energy consumption is high and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic power steering system with an electromechanical steering gear. The electric motor directly generates steering force through the planetary servo gear mechanism, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid and pump systems. This substitution reduces energy consumption by removing the continuous hydraulic circulation requirement while maintaining steering force delivery.
2Power
If a hydraulic power steering system is used, then steering function is provided, but installation complexity increases due to separate lines between pump and gear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steering force generation function into a single integrated electromechanical unit. The electric motor, planetary servo gear, and bevel gear are combined in one compact housing, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic pump, lines, and connections. This integration dramatically simplifies installation while maintaining the steering force output.
3Power
If a hydraulic power steering system is used, then steering function is provided, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical steering gear replaces the hydraulic system, eliminating maintenance issues associated with hydraulic fluid leaks, line connections, and pump wear. The electric motor and gear mechanism have fewer moving parts and no fluid seals, significantly reducing maintenance requirements while continuing to provide steering force.
4Reliability
If the bevel gear is designed with two transmission paths, then torque distribution is improved, but gear complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bevel gear is segmented into two distinct transmission paths with separate pinions engaging the bevel wheel. This segmentation distributes the input torque from the planetary servo gear through two parallel paths to the output shaft, improving torque distribution and reliability. While this increases gear component count, the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
5Reliability
If two planetary servo gears are used, then steering support is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two planetary servo gears are nested within a single integrated housing, with one planetary gear set positioned inside or adjacent to the other. This nesting arrangement increases steering support and torque multiplication while containing the complexity within a compact structure, avoiding the need for separate external assemblies.
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 provides a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective electromechanical steering system that reduces energy consumption and simplifies installation and maintenance by eliminating the need for complex hydraulic systems and separate lines.
Implementation Method 1
two planetary servo gears which are connected in series and which are driven by an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
an input torque of such a support gear is divided into two distribution paths which apply a torque to the bevel gear
Implementation Method 3
the angular gear is formed to transmit torque from the servo gear to the segment shaft via two transmission paths
Data Source
AI summary
A steering gear for an electromechanical steering system for a vehicle includes an input shaft that can be coupled or connected to a steering column of the steering system, a segment shaft that can be coupled or connected to a steering column lever of the steering system, an angular gear, a servo gear, and an electric motor for driving the servo gear. The angular gear is designed as a bevel gear. The input shaft and the electric motor are connected to the servo gear. The servo gear is connected to the angular gear. The angular gear is connected to the segment shaft. The angular gear is formed to transmit torque from the servo gear to the segment shaft via two transmission paths.