Steering Wheel Torque Feedback Assembly With Compact Worm-Helical Drive
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Steer-by-wire vehicle systems are bulky, heavy, and complex due to large motors and extensive space requirements in the dashboard, limiting compactness and usability, especially when transitioning between manual and autonomous driving modes.
Innovation Solution
A torque feedback actuator assembly featuring a helical gear and worm gear mechanism, with a compact motor orientation perpendicular to the steering wheel axis, allowing for smaller size, lighter weight, and easier attachment/detachment from the dashboard, utilizing a high gear ratio for efficient torque feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional steer-by-wire systems use large motors and extensive dashboard space, then torque feedback control is achieved, but system size, weight, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is reoriented from a traditional axial alignment with the steering column to a perpendicular orientation relative to the steering wheel axis. This dimensional change allows the motor to be positioned laterally rather than extending through the dashboard, significantly reducing the system's footprint and complexity while maintaining torque feedback functionality through the gear mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested gear mechanism where a worm gear drives a helical gear that is coaxially aligned with the steering wheel. This nested arrangement allows multiple gear stages to be compactly integrated, achieving high torque multiplication and precise control within a minimal volume, thereby reducing overall system complexity and space requirements.
2Force
If traditional steer-by-wire systems use large motors, then sufficient torque is provided, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the gear ratio parameters by implementing a two-stage gear reduction system (worm gear to helical gear). This parameter optimization allows the use of a smaller, lighter motor while still achieving the required output torque through mechanical advantage, directly reducing the weight of moving objects without sacrificing force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a direct-drive motor system with a mechanically augmented system using worm and helical gears. This substitution allows a smaller motor to generate sufficient torque through mechanical leverage, reducing motor weight while maintaining the necessary force output for steering control.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional steer-by-wire systems require extensive dashboard space, then motor and gear assembly is accommodated, but available cabin space decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By reorienting the motor perpendicular to the steering wheel axis and positioning it laterally, the patent consolidates the motor and gear assembly into a compact configuration that occupies minimal dashboard volume. This dimensional rearrangement frees up substantial cabin space while still accommodating all necessary components for torque feedback operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested gear arrangement (worm gear driving helical gear) allows the entire drive mechanism to be compacted into a small volume. This nested configuration minimizes the space required in the dashboard, thereby maximizing available cabin space without compromising the torque feedback function.
4Ease of operation
If traditional steer-by-wire systems use complex mechanical linkages, then steering control is achieved, but ease of operation and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex traditional mechanical linkage (rack and pinion, tie rods) by implementing a steer-by-wire system with a simplified direct actuation mechanism. The steering control function is achieved through electronic control and a compact gear mechanism, removing unnecessary mechanical complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
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 provides excellent torque feedback control with reduced space requirements, enabling more cabin space and flexibility in vehicle configurations, such as easy removal or folding during autonomous operation, while maintaining precise steering wheel alignment and resistance simulation.
Implementation Method 1
a motor with a worm gear engaged with the helical gear to provide torque feedback to the steering wheel by driving the helical gear
Implementation Method 2
a helical gear rotatably disposed in the housing. The steering wheel is coupled to and coaxially aligned with the helical gear
Data Source
AI summary
Example steering wheel systems and torque feedback actuator assemblies for use in steer-by-wire vehicles are described herein. An example steering wheel system includes a steering wheel and a torque feedback actuator assembly. The torque feedback actuator assembly includes a housing and a helical gear rotatably disposed in the housing. The steering wheel is coupled to and coaxially aligned with the helical gear. The torque feedback actuator assembly also includes a motor with a worm gear engaged with the helical gear to provide torque feedback to the steering wheel by driving the helical gear.