Vehicle Steering Apparatus Single Motor Clutch Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle steering systems require multiple motors for assisting maneuvering force and controlling the angle and length of the steering column, leading to increased vehicle complexity, weight, and production costs.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus utilizing a single motor with a motor clutch and gear system to deliver torque to both the power delivery section and variable steering section, allowing for the control of steering column angle and length, with an electromagnet clutch enabling efficient coupling and decoupling of motor shafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple motors are used for assisting maneuvering force and controlling steering column angle and length, then the steering functions are fully achieved, but the vehicle structure becomes complex, weight increases, and production cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power steering motor and the steering column control motor into a single integrated motor unit. This motor serves dual functions: providing power assistance for steering maneuvers and controlling the angle and length adjustments of the steering column. By merging these previously separate functions into one motor, the system eliminates the need for multiple independent motors, thereby simplifying the overall vehicle structure while maintaining full steering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated motor is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both power steering assistance and steering column position control. The motor can operate in different modes depending on the operational requirements - providing continuous torque for steering assistance or controlled intermittent torque for column angle and length adjustments. This universal design allows a single component to replace multiple specialized components, reducing system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple motors are installed for steering assistance and column control, then all steering functions are achieved, but the vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power steering motor and the steering column control motor into a single integrated motor unit. This consolidation eliminates the weight of redundant motor components, mounting brackets, and associated wiring harnesses that would be present if separate motors were used. The single motor design significantly reduces the overall weight of the steering system while maintaining both power assistance and column control functions.
3Ease of operation
If multiple motors are used for steering functions, then complete steering control is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate motor systems into one integrated motor unit, which directly reduces the bill of materials by eliminating redundant components. This merger also simplifies the assembly process, reducing the number of installation steps, wiring connections, and calibration procedures required during manufacturing. Consequently, production time and labor costs are reduced, leading to lower overall production costs while maintaining complete steering functionality.
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
This solution reduces the number of motors needed, simplifying the vehicle's layout, reducing weight, and lowering production costs while effectively assisting maneuvering force and controlling steering column parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a motor clutch coupling a power delivery shaft of the power delivery section to or decoupling the power delivery shaft from the motor shaft
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member elastically biasing the first clutch plate or the second clutch plate
Data Source
AI summary
A steering apparatus of a vehicle including a motor, a motor shaft, a power delivery section selectively engaged to the motor shaft, a variable steering section connected to the steering column and selectively engaged to the motor shaft to control an angle and a length of the steering column, a connecting section selectively engaged to the motor shaft and delivering the torque of the motor to the variable steering section, and a first converting section delivering the torque of the motor to one of the power delivery section and the connecting section, wherein the first converting section includes a motor clutch coupling a power delivery shaft of the power delivery section to or decoupling the power delivery shaft from the motor shaft, and a delivery member engaged to the motor shaft when the motor shaft is decoupled from the power delivery shaft by the motor clutch.