Dual-Reducer Steering Assembly for Torque Ripple Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering apparatuses with dual motor and dual reducer structures experience doubled torque ripple fluctuations, causing driver fatigue and discomfort due to sudden torque changes.
Innovation Solution
The steering apparatus incorporates a first and second reducer mounted on a screw shaft at a preset offset angle, preventing gear meshing frequencies from coinciding, thereby reducing torque ripple fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dual motor and dual reducer structure is used to ensure redundancy and reliability, then the reliability of the steering apparatus is improved, but the torque ripple fluctuation range is doubled causing driver fatigue and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by setting different mounting angles for the first and second reducers on the screw shaft. Specifically, the first reducer is mounted at a first angle and the second reducer is mounted at a second angle that is different from the first angle. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the gear meshing frequencies of the two reducers do not coincide, thereby reducing the overall torque ripple fluctuation range while maintaining the dual motor redundancy structure for reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If two motors and two reducers are mounted at the same angle on the screw shaft, then the assembly is simplified, but the torque ripple fluctuation range increases causing driver fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing asymmetric mounting angles for the reducers. Instead of mounting both reducers at the same angle (which would be simpler), the first reducer is mounted at a first angle and the second reducer is mounted at a second angle. This asymmetric arrangement prevents gear meshing frequency coincidence and reduces torque ripple, while still maintaining relatively simple assembly procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A steering apparatus includes a first reducer having a first worm coupled to a first motor and a first worm wheel which rotates by being meshed with the first worm; a second reducer having a second worm coupled to a second motor and a second worm wheel which rotates by being meshed with the second worm; and a screw shaft on which the first reducer is mounted on one side and the second reducer is mounted on the other side, wherein an angle at which the first reducer and the second reducer are mounted to the screw shaft is set to an offset angle. The steering apparatus is capable of reducing the fluctuation range of torque ripple in using a double motor and double reducer structure, thereby relieving a fatigue and discomfort of a driver.