Steering Gear Set for Zero-Turn Independent Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive steering systems face limitations in achieving zero-turn maneuvers while maintaining ride, handling, and safety performance, particularly due to constraints in drive line layout, ergonomic package, suspension, and steering geometry, especially in passenger vehicles with independent front suspension.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with a gear set assembly connected to a steering mechanism, where the wheel hub is mounted on a steering pivot shaft, supported by an independent suspension system, allowing for meshed gears to transfer steering rotation to the steerable wheel, enabling zero-turn capabilities with adjustable steering characteristics and independent suspension properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional steering systems are used in passenger vehicles with independent front suspension, then ride, handling, and safety performance are maintained, but zero-turn maneuvering capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is segmented into modular components: a steering mechanism (rack and pinion or rotary actuator), a gear set assembly (planetary or epicyclic gears), and an independent suspension system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve zero-turn capability without compromising overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
A gear set assembly acts as an intermediary between the steering mechanism and the steerable wheels. This intermediary component transforms the steering input into the complex motion required for zero-turn maneuvers, decoupling the steering control from the wheel motion geometry and enabling versatile maneuvering while maintaining simple control architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If steering geometry is modified to enable zero-turn maneuvers, then maneuvering capability is improved, but ride, handling, and safety performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system employs dynamic geometry adjustment through the gear set assembly, which can modify the effective steering pivot position and wheel angles in real-time. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to achieve zero-turn capability when needed while maintaining conventional steering geometry for normal driving, thereby preserving handling and safety performance across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes geometric parameters (wheel angles, pivot positions, steering ratios) dynamically based on operating conditions. The gear set assembly enables continuous adjustment of these parameters, allowing transition between conventional steering mode (for safety and handling) and zero-turn mode (for maneuvering), thus resolving the contradiction between maneuvering capability and performance reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-suspended rigid axle configuration is used for zero-turn capability, then maneuvering capability is improved, but ride comfort and independent wheel control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously incompatible configurations: independent suspended axles (for comfort and control) with zero-turn steering capability (typically requiring rigid axles). The gear set assembly couples the steering mechanism to both wheels while the independent suspension maintains ride comfort, creating a hybrid system that combines advantages of both configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system with gear set assembly serves multiple functions: it enables zero-turn maneuvers, maintains independent wheel control for ride comfort, and preserves conventional steering operation for normal driving. This multi-functionality allows a single system design to satisfy conflicting requirements for maneuvering capability and suspension performance.
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 enables reliable, cost-effective zero-turn maneuvers in passenger vehicles with independent front suspension, maintaining key performance aspects like ride, handling, and steering, while allowing the vehicle to rotate within the rear axle track.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of meshed gears having an input gear mechanically coupled to the steering mechanism and an output gear integrally connected to the steering pivot, such that the steering rotation from the steering mechanism is transferred to the steerable wheel through the plurality of meshed gears
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a steering system for a vehicle. The steering system includes at least one steerable wheel mounted on a wheel hub. The at least one wheel is steerable by means of a gear set assembly connected to a steering mechanism of the vehicle. The wheel hub is mounted on a steering pivot shaft. The gear set assembly further comprises a plurality of meshed gears having an input gear mechanically coupled to the steering mechanism and an output gear integrally connected to the steering pivot mounted on a steering pivot. The input gear and the pivot shaft are supported on an independent suspension system of the vehicle.