Steering Wheel Hub Axial Flux Motor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle guidance systems are costly, complex, and inefficient, requiring significant modifications to the steering system, limiting accuracy and portability, and generating noise and space issues in the cabin.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle guidance system with a drive assembly integrated into the steering wheel hub, using an axial flux brushless DC motor to directly drive the steering wheel, reducing the need for additional space and components, and enhancing torque and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a separate motor and coupling arrangement is used to actuate the steering wheel, then steering automation is achieved, but the system occupies extra space in the cabin and generates environmental noise
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is integrated directly into the steering wheel hub, merging the actuation mechanism with the steering wheel structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate motors and coupling arrangements, freeing up cabin space while maintaining steering automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel hub serves dual functions: it is both the steering control interface and the mounting location for the motor. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components needed in the system
2Extent of automation
If a separate motor and coupling arrangement is used to actuate the steering wheel, then steering automation is achieved, but environmental noise in the cabin increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the motor into the steering wheel hub, the system reduces the number of separate mechanical components and coupling mechanisms that generate noise. The direct-drive configuration minimizes mechanical noise transmission into the cabin environment
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic steering system modification is used for vehicle guidance, then steering control is achieved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces modification of the hydraulic steering system with an electric motor integrated into the steering wheel hub. This substitution eliminates the need for additional hydraulic valves and complex hydraulic circuit modifications, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining steering control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance system extracts the steering actuation function from the hydraulic system and implements it through a separate electric motor integrated into the steering wheel hub. This separation avoids complicating the hydraulic system while achieving the desired steering control
4Ease of operation
If hydraulic steering system modification is used for vehicle guidance, then steering control is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive hydraulic system modifications with an electric motor integrated into the steering wheel hub. This substitution eliminates the need for costly hydraulic valves and complex hydraulic circuit work, reducing overall system cost while maintaining steering control capability
5Extent of automation
If indirect actuation of the steering wheel is used, then steering automation is achieved, but steering accuracy and maximum vehicle speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the motor directly into the steering wheel hub, the system creates a direct-drive configuration that eliminates intermediate coupling mechanisms. This direct connection improves steering accuracy by eliminating backlash and mechanical play, while also enabling faster response times for high-speed vehicle operation
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 allows for simple installation and removal, improved accuracy, reduced noise, and increased vehicle speed capabilities while maintaining a compact and safe operator environment.
Implementation Method 1
an axial flux brushless DC motor to directly drive the steering wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle guidance system is disclosed where the vehicle includes a steering wheel assembly including a steering wheel and a hub, the hub connected to a steering shaft rotatable about a steering wheel axis within a steering column for steering the vehicle. The vehicle guidance system includes a receiver for receiving a position indication signal, a steering controller for generating a steering control signal based on the position indication signal and a drive assembly to directly drive the steering wheel assembly responsive to the steering control signal. The drive assembly generates a torque about a drive axis to rotate the steering wheel assembly, wherein the drive axis of the drive assembly is coaxial to the steering wheel axis.