Steering Stop Friction Lock for Steer-by-Wire Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steer-by-wire steering systems lack haptic feedback to indicate when the maximum steering lock is reached, as there is no direct mechanical coupling between the steering wheel and the wheels, making it difficult for drivers to determine the steering gear's stop position, especially under varying driving conditions with different wheel angles and transmission ratios.
Innovation Solution
A steering stop system with a blocking element that uses frictional forces to block the steering shaft's rotation, activated by a controller, which provides haptic feedback by converting tangential forces into radial forces, allowing for a safe and secure steering lock simulation without mechanical coupling, and can be adjusted based on different driving conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If steer-by-wire steering system is used to eliminate mechanical coupling, then steering control flexibility and adaptability are improved, but haptic feedback and driver awareness of steering gear position are lost
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking element is introduced as an intermediary mechanical component that physically engages with the steering shaft to simulate steering stop positions. This mediator provides tactile feedback to the driver through the steering wheel while the control system remains electronically decoupled, thus preserving both flexibility and haptic information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies the traditional mechanical steering stop function by using a blocking element that physically limits steering shaft rotation at predetermined angles. This creates a tactile replica of the mechanical feedback that would exist in conventional steering systems, allowing drivers to perceive steering gear position without direct mechanical coupling to the wheels.
2Loss of information
If a blocking element is inserted into the gap between steering shaft and blocking carrier, then haptic feedback and steering stop simulation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering stop function is segmented into discrete blocking elements that can be independently positioned at different angular locations on the steering shaft. Each blocking element corresponds to a specific steering stop position, allowing the system to provide haptic feedback at multiple predetermined angles without requiring a complex continuous mechanical linkage.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking elements are designed to be dynamically insertable and removable from the gap between the steering shaft and blocking carrier. The drive mechanism can selectively activate blocking elements based on driving conditions and desired steering characteristics, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical feedback properties without permanent complex mechanical couplings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple blocking elements are used to provide selective steering stops, then adaptability to different driving conditions is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple blocking elements are designed with identical structures that can be positioned at different angular locations on the steering shaft. Each blocking element serves the same function of providing tactile feedback, but their collective arrangement provides multiple selectable steering stop positions. This modular approach allows the system to achieve high adaptability while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for each blocking element.
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 system effectively provides haptic feedback to the driver when the maximum steering lock is reached, ensuring safe operation by generating a holding torque greater than the driver's applied torque, allowing for precise control and adaptability to different driving scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The blocking element (30) blocking a rotary movement of the steering shaft (11) relative to the blocking carrier (40) in a blocking position via frictional forces between the blocking element (30) on the one hand and the blocking region (42) and/or the blocking zone (12) on the other
Data Source
AI summary
A steering stop for a vehicle with a steer-by-wire steering system comprises a steering shaft 11 for connection to a steering wheel 10, a locking carrier 40 that can be fixedly mounted on the vehicle, and a locking element 30, which can be inserted via a drive 35 into a gap 22 between a locking zone 42 of the locking carrier 40 and a locking area 12 coupled to the steering shaft 11. The locking element 30 is configured to block, in a locked position, a rotational movement of the steering shaft 11 relative to the locking carrier 40 by means of frictional forces between the locking element 30 on the one hand and the locking area 12 and/or the locking zone 42 on the other.