Steering Reducer Layout for Compact Radial Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering devices face challenges in achieving a compact configuration while receiving operation inputs and auxiliary rotational forces, limiting their size reduction potential.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an input device with an orthogonal input portion and a motor positioned on one side of the reducer, which allows for a downsized radial configuration and unrestricted rotation of the output arm, utilizing a reducer with spur gears and eccentric cams to reduce rotational speed and increase torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the input device and motor are disposed on one side of the reducer, then the device configuration is downsized in the radial direction, but the space arrangement becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional reconfiguration by arranging the input device and motor on one side of the reducer (axial direction) rather than distributing them radially. This one-sided configuration consolidates components along the axial dimension, allowing the radial dimensions to be reduced while maintaining proper functional relationships through carefully positioned transmission shafts and gears.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the input device and motor are positioned on one side of the reducer, then the output arm can rotate without rotation range limitation, but the component layout becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission path into distinct functional zones: the input device with orthogonal input portion on one side, the motor on the same side, the reducer in the center, and the output arm extending freely. This segmentation allows the output arm to rotate through a full 360-degree range without being blocked by input device components, while the internal transmission components remain contained within the one-sided configuration.
3Force
If the reducer reduces rotational speed and increases torque, then the output force is enhanced, but the device size in other directions may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor and input device into a compact one-sided configuration that shares space efficiently. By positioning both components on the same side of the reducer and using shared transmission shafts and gear arrangements, the overall axial length is minimized while still achieving the necessary torque multiplication through the reducer's gear mechanism.
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 configuration effectively downsizes the steering device's radial dimensions and enables the output arm to rotate without rotation range limitations, enhancing the device's compactness and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
two or more spur gears receiving the rotational driving force and rotating in mesh with the input gear
Implementation Method 2
two or more eccentric cams formed on two or more shafts, each of the two or more shafts being coupled to corresponding one of the two or more spur gears
Implementation Method 3
The eccentric gear may rotate eccentrically about the rotation axis along an inner circumference of the case
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device according to one embodiment includes: an input device including an input shaft to which rotation associated with operation is transmitted, and a transmission shaft that is disposed orthogonal to the input shaft and rotates in conjunction with the input shaft; a reducer receiving a rotational drive force from the input device and outputting a rotational force about a rotational axis with a reduced rotational speed and an increased torque; a motor providing a rotational auxiliary force to the reducer in a direction that augments the rotational driving force; and an output arm coupled to the reducer and rotating about the rotational axis in a predetermined angular range by the rotational force outputted by the reducer. The input device is disposed on one side of the reducer. The motor is disposed adjacent to a direction orthogonal to the transmission shaft and on the one side of the reducer.