Vehicle Steering Unit With Screw-Nut Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering units for vehicle wheels are complex and costly due to the use of electric differentials and hydraulic circuits, leading to high production costs and imprecise, slow response times.
Innovation Solution
A steering unit that mechanically connects support elements to an electric motor, using a screw-nut screw coupling to transfer rotational motion into translational motion, allowing for precise and quick steering control with reduced components and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric differential is used to synchronize multiple steering wheels, then the steering wheels can be synchronized, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electric differential system with an electronic control system. Each steering wheel is equipped with an independent electric motor controlled by a central control unit that receives signals from the steering wheel sensor and distributes synchronized control signals to all motors, eliminating the need for mechanical differentials while achieving synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The central control unit serves multiple functions: it receives steering input signals, processes synchronization requirements for multiple steering wheels, and distributes control signals to multiple independent motors. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate differential mechanisms for each steering wheel.
2Manufacturing precision
If an electric motor with precise reduction unit is used for each steering wheel, then the wheel steering angle can be controlled precisely, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control approach from mechanical parameter control (through complex reduction units) to electronic parameter control. The control unit precisely regulates motor speed and position through electronic signals, achieving accurate steering angle control without requiring expensive high-precision mechanical reduction units for each motor.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive high-precision reduction units for each steering wheel, the patent uses identical standard electric motors controlled by a centralized electronic system. The precision is achieved through control software rather than mechanical complexity, allowing use of more economical standard components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a hydraulic circuit with double-acting cylinder is used to mechanically connect steering wheels, then the steering wheels are mechanically connected, but the response time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical connection system with independent electric motors for each steering wheel. The mechanical connection stability is maintained through the rigid motor mounts and direct drive to the steering mechanism, while the hydraulic fluid transmission and cylinder movement are replaced by direct electromagnetic actuation, significantly reducing response time.
4Stability of the object's composition
If hydraulic circuits and double-acting cylinders are used to control steering, then steering wheels are mechanically connected, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the entire hydraulic circuit system (pumps, valves, hoses, cylinders) from the steering mechanism. The mechanical connection stability is achieved through simplified direct mechanical linkages between the electric motors and steering components, eliminating the complex hydraulic infrastructure while maintaining structural integrity.
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 enables a simpler, cost-effective steering unit with precise and rapid wheel control, using a single electric motor and mechanical connections, reducing production costs and improving response times.
Implementation Method 1
using a screw-nut screw coupling to transfer rotational motion into translational motion
Data Source
AI summary
The steering unit (1) for vehicle wheels comprises at least an axle (2) connectable to a vehicle, at least a pair of support elements (3) associated in rotation with the axle (2) and associable with relevant wheels (R), at least an electric motor (4) suitable for controlling the rotation of the support elements (3) around the relevant axes (5) and a steering device (6) for the wheels (R) configured so as to mechanically connect the support elements (3) together and operatively connected to the electric motor (4).