Steering Wheel Rotation Limiting Mechanism for Clock Spring Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In steering-by-wire systems, the absence of mechanical connection between the steering wheel and wheel hub leads to arbitrary rotation, potentially damaging components like the clock spring and angle sensor, as there is no mechanical limitation to the steering shaft rotation.
Innovation Solution
A rotation angle limiting mechanism is introduced, comprising a turntable with fitting structures that abut against first and second limiting structures on a moving member, effectively limiting further rotation and preventing damage by fixing the turntable at extreme positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a steering-by-wire system is used to eliminate mechanical connection between steering wheel and wheel hub, then the steering system flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the steering shaft becomes uncontrolled and can rotate arbitrarily causing damage to components
Solution Approach 1:
A turntable with fitting structures serves as an intermediary component between the steering shaft and the environment. The turntable rotates with the steering shaft and carries limiting structures that interact with external reference structures to provide rotational control, enabling the steering-by-wire system to maintain flexibility while regaining rotational limitation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring limiting structures on the turntable that engage with reference structures before arbitrary rotation can occur. The fitting structures and limiting structures are designed to automatically engage and prevent excessive rotation in advance, protecting components from damage before it can happen
2Reliability
If mechanical limitation structures are added to limit steering shaft rotation, then the reliability and component protection are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turntable serves multiple functions: it rotates with the steering shaft to maintain steering functionality, carries fitting structures for engagement, and provides limiting structures for rotational control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated limitation devices, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the rotation limitation function with the existing turntable structure. The limiting structures are integrated onto the turntable rather than being separate components, and the engagement mechanism combines the fitting structures with reference structures in a unified system, reducing the number of independent parts and simplifying the overall mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A rotation angle limiting mechanism includes: a turntable, wherein at least one fitting structure is disposed on the turntable; and a moving member, wherein a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure are disposed on the moving member; the turntable rotates and drives the moving member to move so that the fitting structure abuts against one of the first limiting structure or the second limiting structure; the turntable is at a first extreme position when the fitting structure abuts against the first limiting structure; and the turntable is at a second extreme position when the fitting structure abuts against the second limiting structure.