Steer-by-Wire Steering Gear Layout for Compact Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing steering gear apparatuses for steer-by-wire steering systems to be compact and cost-effective while minimizing construction space and components.
Innovation Solution
A steering gear apparatus with a sliding rod, rack, worm gear, drive pinion, and steering angle sensor, where the motor is connected via the worm gear to transmit torque, and the drive pinion is in toothed engagement with the toothing, with the steering angle sensor coupled to the drive pinion, and optionally integrated housing parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional steering gear apparatus is designed with multiple separate housing parts and components, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the construction space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sliding rod housing and gear housing into a single integral housing structure. This merging of previously separate housing components into one unified housing reduces the overall construction space while maintaining ease of manufacture through integral forming processes, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The integral housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the sliding rod, accommodates the gear section, and establishes the overall spatial arrangement of components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed, thereby reducing construction space while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Device complexity
If the steering angle sensor is attached directly to the drive pinion, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the steering angle sensor directly onto the drive pinion, combining two previously separate components into one unified assembly. This reduces device complexity by eliminating intermediate mounting structures and connection elements, while the direct integration ensures precise positioning through the pinion's own manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive pinion serves dual functions: it transmits torque to the rack and simultaneously provides a mounting surface for the steering angle sensor. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy through the pinion's inherent geometric precision.
3Volume of moving object
If the rack is arranged in the axial direction between the steering angle sensor and the worm wheel, then the construction space is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the rack in the axial direction rather than perpendicular to it, utilizing the axial dimension for component arrangement. This dimensional reorganization allows compact packing of components along the axis, reducing overall construction space. The axial arrangement of rack, sensor, and worm wheel creates a linear footprint that minimizes the housing volume required.
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
Achieves a compact and cost-effective design with reduced components, saving space and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The motor is connected via the worm gear to the drive pinion so as to transmit torque
Implementation Method 2
the drive pinion is in toothed engagement with the toothing
Implementation Method 3
A sliding rod, which has a rack with a toothing, having a gear section, which has a worm gear with a worm wheel and a drive pinion
Data Source
AI summary
A steering gear apparatus for a steer-by-wire steering system of a motor vehicle has a sliding rod, which has a rack with a toothing, a gear section, which has a worm gear with a worm wheel and a drive pinion extending in an axial direction (A), a motor and a steering angle sensor. The motor is connected here to the drive pinion via the worm gear so as to transmit torque, and the drive pinion is in toothed engagement with the toothing. The steering angle sensor is coupled here to the drive pinion, in particular so as to transmit torque.