Steering Device with Pivoted Actuator Parts
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering systems for vehicles are complex, with fixed axle kinematics and a steering column that poses a safety risk in crashes, and they lack flexibility in camber and track curve adjustment, leading to inefficient use of space and design constraints.
Innovation Solution
A steering device with pivoted actuator parts that allow for adjustable steering angles through rotary motion, enabling camber and track optimization, and integrating the actuator within the wheel carrier to reduce installation space and enhance safety by eliminating the steering column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional steering column and steering gear are used, then steering function is achieved, but device complexity increases and installation space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the steering column from the vehicle interior, relocating the steering actuator directly to the wheel carrier. This removes the complex mechanical transmission path while maintaining steering functionality through direct actuation of the wheel assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical steering column and gear system with a direct rotary actuator mechanism mounted on the wheel carrier. The actuator uses rotational motion to directly pivot the wheel assembly, eliminating intermediate mechanical components and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed transmission ratio steering gear is used, then steering function is achieved, but adaptability for different camber and track settings is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable camber and track settings through the rotary actuator mechanism, allowing the wheel assembly to be dynamically adjusted to different angular positions. This replaces the mechanically fixed axle construction with a dynamic system that can adapt to various steering and suspension configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary actuator mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides steering control, enables variable camber settings, and allows track adjustment. This single multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require separate mechanisms for each function, enhancing adaptability while managing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering gear is positioned in a fixed manner to the axles, then steering geometry is maintained, but design freedom and installation space flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the steering actuator from its conventional fixed position near the vehicle interior and relocates it directly to the wheel carrier. This eliminates the need for complex steering geometry maintenance through long传动 shafts and universal joints, providing greater design freedom in packaging the steering system.
4Reliability
If a steering column is used in conventional steering systems, then steering control is achieved, but safety risk in vehicle crashes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the steering column from the vehicle interior, eliminating the primary safety hazard that poses a risk to occupants during crashes. Steering control is maintained through the rotary actuator mechanism mounted on the wheel carrier, which does not intrude into the passenger compartment.
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 provides a mechanically simple steering system with reduced installation space, enhanced safety, and increased design freedom, allowing for adjustable camber and track settings while ensuring reliable torque transmission and braking moments.
Implementation Method 1
the wheel-side pivoted part with its middle axle can be moved around its axis of rotation in a type of wobble motion
Implementation Method 2
the two pivoted parts can be in contact by way of control surfaces, preferably sliding contact and/or rolling contact
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering device for a vehicle, with at least one actuator which pivots at least one steerable vehicle wheel by a steering angle which can be stipulated by way of a steering angle transducer. According to the invention, the actuator has a wheel-side pivoted part and an axle-side pivoted part which can be turned around their axes of rotation to one another and that to set the steering angle of the vehicle wheel, the wheel-side pivoted part can be deflected in the turning of the two pivoted parts by the swivel angle (φ) relative to the axle-side pivoted part.