Electromechanical Steering Lock for Steer-by-Wire Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current steer-by-wire steering systems do not effectively block the swivelling movement of front wheels when the steering lock is engaged, allowing potential manipulation of the vehicle by external forces.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical locking mechanism integrated into the steering gearbox, utilizing a belt drive with a brake shoe and cam system or positive engagement locking via radial/axial recesses, prevents wheel swivelling by exerting frictional resistance or positive engagement, ensuring the steering system remains locked even when external forces are applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a steering lock is provided only on the steering wheel side, then the steering wheel rotation is prevented, but the steering system can still be manipulated by forcing the steering lock or applying external force to swivel the wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The steering lock function is segmented into two independent locking mechanisms: one on the steering wheel side and another on the gearbox side. This segmentation ensures that even if one locking mechanism is compromised, the other remains effective, thereby preventing vehicle manipulation while maintaining steering security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary locking mechanism at the gearbox level that acts as a secondary barrier between the steering wheel and the steered wheels. This intermediary lock blocks the transmission of rotational force from the steering wheel to the wheels, preventing manipulation even when the primary steering wheel lock is forced.
2Ease of operation
If the steering lock is removed from the steering column region, then installation space is freed and driver safety is improved, but the steering system cannot be effectively blocked when locked
Solution Approach 1:
The steering lock mechanism is extracted from the steering column region and relocated to the gearbox area. This extraction maintains the benefits of freed installation space and improved driver safety while restoring effective steering blocking capability through the new locking position that directly impedes wheel swivelling.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is transferred from the rotational dimension at the steering wheel to the translational dimension at the gearbox. By positioning the lock at the gearbox where it can physically block the movement of the steered wheels, the system achieves effective steering blocking without requiring a traditional steering column lock.
3Ease of operation
If an electromechanical clutch is used as steering lock on the steering wheel side, then the steering wheel rotation is prevented, but the steering gear is not blocked allowing wheel swivelling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steering wheel locking function with the gearbox locking function into a unified steering lock system. The electromechanical clutch at the steering wheel side is combined with a corresponding lock at the gearbox side, creating a complete blocking system that prevents both steering wheel rotation and wheel swivelling when activated.
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 effectively prevents the vehicle from being swivelled or manipulated, enhancing security by ensuring the steering system remains locked, even when the steering wheel lock is forced or externally attempted to be overridden.
Implementation Method 1
A blocking in an arbitrary position of the steering gear is possible if a frictional resistance is exerted via a brake shoe pressed in the radial direction against the belt drive and in particular against the call nut.
Implementation Method 2
The brake shoe can be actuated via a cam and a return spring.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering device for a road vehicle according to the steer-by-wire principle with a steering wheel that can be operated by a driver and with a steering gearbox that is not permanently mechanically coupled in a forcible manner, which is equipped with an electric motor drive for swivelling steered wheels, wherein the electric motor drive comprises an electric motor, a pinion (1), a belt (2) and a belt pulley (3), wherein the belt pulley (3) is coupled via the gearbox to a threaded spindle (4), and wherein an electromechanical blocking of the electric motor drive is provided on or in the steering gear.