Vehicle Steering Unit Helical Groove Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering units for vehicle wheels are complex, costly, and have large dimensions due to the use of electric motors and complex mechanical linkages, leading to high production costs and reduced compactness, especially in vehicles with limited space.
Innovation Solution
A steering unit with a bearing frame, a rotating steering element, and a thrust element with a helical groove and pin mechanism that converts linear translation into rotational motion, eliminating the need for an electric motor and simplifying the design while reducing cross-axis dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electric motors with high number of revolutions are used to drive the steering element, then the steering response precision and speed are improved, but the overall dimensions of the steering unit increase due to large diameter gear wheels required for the reduction ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric motor with a mechanical steering device that uses a thrust element moving along a helical groove to directly rotate the steering element. This eliminates the need for gear reduction mechanisms and large diameter gear wheels, thereby reducing the overall dimensions while maintaining steering precision through direct mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the rotational motion requirement into linear motion along the helical groove, then converts it back to rotation through the pin-groove engagement. This dimensional transformation allows for a more compact configuration compared to direct rotational drive systems with gear reduction.
2Loss of time
If electric motors are used in the steering unit, then the steering response time and precision are improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple mechanical steering device with basic components like a thrust element, helical groove, and pin connection, replacing expensive electric motors. These mechanical components are simpler to manufacture, easier to assemble, and significantly reduce production costs while maintaining adequate steering response performance for the application.
3Speed
If complex mechanical linkages including multiple gear wheels are used to transfer movement from the electric motor to the steering element, then the required reduction ratio is achieved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex gear reduction mechanism from the steering system. Instead of using multiple gear wheels to achieve the required reduction ratio, the invention directly couples the mechanical steering device to the steering element, removing unnecessary intermediate components and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the drive mechanism and steering actuation into a single integrated mechanical linkage. The thrust element moving along the helical groove directly drives the steering element rotation, combining what would otherwise be separate reduction and actuation functions into one compact mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a hydraulic circuit with double-acting hydraulic cylinder is used to mechanically link steering wheels, then the steering wheels can be mechanically connected together, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex hydraulic circuit and double-acting hydraulic cylinder with a simple mechanical steering device. The mechanical linkage is achieved through direct structural connection of the steering element to the axle, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid, pumps, valves, and cylinders, thereby dramatically reducing construction complexity.
5Ease of operation
If multiple elements and kinematic connections are used to transfer rotation from the electric motor shaft to the worm screw, then the steering function is achieved, but the construction and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the worm screw and associated multiple kinematic connections from the steering mechanism. The steering function is achieved through the simplified mechanical linkage of the thrust element along the helical groove directly driving the steering element, eliminating numerous intermediate components that complicate construction and assembly.
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 results in a simpler, more compact, and cost-effective steering unit with reduced overall dimensions, improving precision and response times, and is suitable for vehicles requiring high compactness.
Implementation Method 1
one between the thrust element 10 and the revolving element 9 comprises at least one groove 12 with a substantially helical extension and the other between the revolving element 9 and the thrust element 10 comprises at least one pin 13 which is fitted inside the groove 12; the sliding of the thrust element 10 with respect to the revolving element 9 causes the rotation of the latter by the effect of the reciprocal engagement of the pin 13 with the groove 12
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The steering unit (1) for vehicle wheels comprises a bearing frame (2), associable with a vehicle, at least a steering element (3) supported in rotation by the frame (2) around a vertical steering axis (4), at least an axle (5) correctable to the wheels (6) of the vehicle and supported in rotation around the steering axis (4) by the steering element (3) and comprises a steering device (8) having at least a revolving element (9) associated integrally with the steering element (3) and at least a thrust element (10) fitted sliding on the revolving element itself in a direction parallel to the steering axis (4), wherein at least one between the revolving element (9) and the thrust element (10) comprises at least a groove (12) having a substantially helical extension and wherein the other comprises at least a pin (13) which is fitted inside the groove (12), the sliding of the thrust element (10) with respect to the revolving element (9) causing the rotation of the latter by the effect of the reciprocal engagement of the pin (13) with the groove (12).