Vehicle Steering Torque Sensor Rear Wheel Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering apparatuses do not effectively utilize torque sensors and controllers to optimize the turning radius and stability of vehicles by coordinating the movement of front and rear wheels, especially when the front steering gear malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering apparatus that includes a torque sensor connected to the steering wheel, a controller connected to both the torque sensor and rear steering gear, and an optional rear wheel brake, which initiates operation of the rear steering gear and brake based on the applied force and steering direction to adjust the turning radius and maintain vehicle stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the front steering gear is used to turn the steerable front wheels, then the vehicle can be steered manually, but the turning radius cannot be optimized and stability is reduced when the front steering gear malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the steering mode by activating rear wheels based on detected steering parameters (torque, steering angle). When front steering gear malfunctions or during specific maneuvers, the controller activates the rear steering gear or rear wheel brakes to change the effective turning radius, thereby optimizing vehicle turning capability while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system dynamically switches between different operational modes: normal front-wheel steering, rear-wheel steering assistance, and rear brake intervention. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain reliability while optimizing turning radius based on real-time vehicle conditions and steering gear status
2Adaptability or versatility
If a torque sensor and controller are added to coordinate front and rear wheels, then turning radius and stability are optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque sensor and controller serve multiple functions: detecting driver intent, monitoring steering gear status, activating rear steering gear, and controlling rear wheel brakes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby optimizing turning capability while limiting the increase in overall system complexity
3Ease of operation
If the rear steering gear is activated in response to torque sensor output, then the turning radius is optimized, but the system requires additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The existing torque sensor, designed for normal steering operation, is repurposed to detect conditions for rear steering gear activation. The controller uses the same sensor output for both front wheel steering control and rear wheel steering activation, allowing the system to optimize maneuverability while utilizing already-present components to minimize additional complexity
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 apparatus enhances the vehicle's turning radius and stability by sequentially turning rear wheels in response to the torque applied to the steering wheel, even if the front steering gear is malfunctioning, by activating the rear steering gear and brake to compensate for the front wheels' limited range, thus ensuring smooth navigation.
Implementation Method 1
A torque sensor is connected with the steering wheel. The torque sensor is operable to provide an output upon manual application of force to the steering wheel.
Implementation Method 2
the radially inner one of the rear wheel brakes is actuated to induce turning movement of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A front steering gear (18) is connected with steerable front wheels (12 and 14) of a vehicle (10). A rear steering gear (28) is connected with steerable rear wheels (30 and 32) of the vehicle (10). A torque sensor (40) connected with a steering wheel (16) provides an output to a controller (42). The controller (42) effects operation of the rear steering gear (28) in response to an output of the torque sensor (40) corresponding to manual application of at least a predetermined force to the steering wheel (16). Alternatively or in addition, the controller (42) may effect operation of a rear wheel brake (50 or 52) which is disposed on a radially inner side of a turn in response to the output from the torque sensor (40).