Steering Sensor Assembly Relocation for Wiring Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering sensor assemblies face issues with wear and damage due to freely rotating sensor wiring, and require complex and costly casting or assembly to protect the wiring.
Innovation Solution
A steering sensor assembly with a sensor and sensor counterpart arranged radially distanced from the steering axis, allowing for simplified installation and reduced wear by positioning the sensor assembly in a less functional area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is installed on the rotating knuckle with wiring freely rotating, then the sensor can detect steering angle, but the wiring is subject to damage and excessive wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wiring from the rotating knuckle assembly and relocates it to the stationary axle. The sensor counterpart is mounted on the rotating knuckle, but the sensor itself and its wiring are positioned on the stationary axle, eliminating the problem of rotating wiring experiencing wear and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated sensor seat in the stationary axle as an intermediary structure. This seat provides a fixed mounting location for the sensor, allowing the sensor counterpart on the rotating knuckle to move relative to it without causing the wiring to rotate or wear.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensor is installed in a dedicated seat in the stationary axle, then wiring wear is prevented, but the casting and assembly become more sophisticated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sensor seat into the existing axle structure, allowing the axle to serve dual purposes: both as a structural component and as a mounting structure for the sensor. This eliminates the need for separate, sophisticated casting and assembly operations.
3Ease of operation
If the sensor assembly is positioned in a less functional area, then installation is simplified and wear is reduced, but the sensing area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the sensor assembly at a radial distance from the steering axis, moving from the traditional coaxial position to an off-axis location. This dimensional change allows the sensor to detect steering angle through the relative motion between the sensor counterpart on the rotating knuckle and the fixed sensor on the stationary axle, achieving both simplified installation and adequate sensing coverage.
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 simplifies assembly and installation while reducing wear and tear on the sensor components, maintaining signal integrity and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a hall-effect sensor provided at the kingpin location
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a steering sensor assembly for sensing a steering angle between a stationary component and a rotatable component rotatably mounted on the stationary component about a steering axis. The steering sensor assembly comprises a sensor at least partially fixed with respect to the steering axis, and a sensor counterpart movable about the steering axis. The sensor and the sensor counterpart are arranged distanced from the steering axis. The present disclosure further relates to a steering sensor system including said steering sensor assembly.