Steering Actuator Rod Position Sensing With Elastic Vibration Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing steering apparatus in vehicles faces challenges in accurately measuring the change in axial displacement of the actuator rod due to mounting structure issues, leading to reduced measurement accuracy and increased noise and vibration from road shocks and vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A steering apparatus design incorporating an actuator rod with a fastening hole, a rod fastening member coupled with a magnet assembly, a rod housing with a sliding rod hole and accommodation hole, support members, and an elastic member to stabilize the actuator rod's axial movement, minimizing noise and vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor detects the movement of a magnet to measure axial displacement of the actuator rod, then steering angle measurement is enabled, but measurement accuracy is lowered due to mounting structure issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering angle measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a support member as an intermediary component between the actuator rod and the magnet assembly. This support member provides a stable mounting structure for the magnet, ensuring accurate and reliable position detection by the sensor while isolating the magnet from direct mechanical stresses that could affect measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the magnet assembly into separate components: the magnet itself, the support member, and the magnet assembly housing. This segmentation allows the magnet to be securely mounted without direct contact with the actuator rod, improving both measurement accuracy and reliability by eliminating mounting structure interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of moving object

If the steering apparatus operates for a long period, then steering function is maintained, but noise and vibration increase due to road shocks and vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating durationVSAvoidnoise and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a rubber buffer between the support member and the magnet assembly housing. This rubber buffer acts as a cushioning element that absorbs shocks and vibrations from the road surface before they can reach the magnet and sensor assembly, maintaining low noise and vibration levels throughout the operating duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible rubber buffer material to isolate the magnet assembly from mechanical vibrations. This flexible element absorbs vibrational energy and prevents it from propagating to the sensor, maintaining measurement stability over long operating periods despite road shocks and vibrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If the magnet is directly mounted on the actuator rod, then structure is simplified, but measurement accuracy is reduced due to mounting structure interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting structure complexityVSAvoidaxial displacement measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the magnet from direct mounting on the actuator rod and places it on a separate support member. This extraction eliminates the interference between the magnet mounting structure and the actuator rod's motion, improving measurement accuracy while adding minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design enhances durability by accurately measuring axial displacement, maintaining precision in steering angle measurement, and reducing noise and vibration even after prolonged exposure to road shocks and vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member coupled to an outer surface of the rod fastening member and elastically supporting the pair of support members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250319925A1Steering apparatus for vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 HL MANDO CORP

AI summary

The present embodiments provide a steering apparatus including an actuator rod having a fastening hole provided on one side of an outer surface and axially sliding, a rod fastening member having one end coupled with a magnet assembly and the other end coupled to the fastening hole, a rod housing having a rod hole through which the actuator rod slides and an accommodation hole communicating with the rod hole provided on one side of an outer surface, a pair of support members that support both inner sides of the accommodation hole and are coupled to slide axially together with the actuator rod and are separately arranged on both radial sides of the rod fastening member, and an elastic member coupled to an outer surface of the rod fastening member and elastically supporting the pair of support members.