Trim Lock Centering Assembly for Strong Off-Center Steering Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering assist systems, such as coil spring units, provide inadequate return-to-center force at slight deviations from the center position, failing to correct for smaller interferences like potholes or wind, and often lack sufficient pressure until significant displacement occurs, which is not effective in most driving situations.
Innovation Solution
A steering stabilizer system combining a pulling force and a pushing force, utilizing gas springs or coil springs, that provides full pressure or nearly full pressure with any movement off-center, ensuring sufficient return-to-center force is applied even at slight deviations, enhancing vehicle stability and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If coil spring units are used in steering assist systems, then the device structure is simple, but the return-to-center force is insufficient at slight deviations from center position
Solution Approach 1:
The steering assist system is divided into two independent sections: a first section (compression side) and a second section (extension side), each with its own spring mechanism. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently, with the compression section providing high force at slight deviations and the extension section handling larger displacements, thereby resolving the contradiction between sufficient return-to-center force and operational ease.
2Force
If prior art return-to-center units are used, then forces are ramped up during bigger turns, but very low forces are provided near the center position
Solution Approach 1:
Each section of the steering assist system has different mechanical properties optimized for its specific function. The compression section uses a spring rate and pre-load configuration optimized for slight deviations from center, while the extension section is optimized for larger displacements. This local quality differentiation ensures high centering pressure at small displacements while maintaining adaptability across the full range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its force characteristics based on the direction and magnitude of displacement. The compression and extension sections can be independently adjusted to provide different force profiles, allowing the system to optimize its response for both slight deviations (requiring high force) and larger turns (requiring ramped-up force), thereby achieving both high centering pressure and versatility.
3Reliability
If steering assist members provide full pressure at any movement off-center, then small interferences are corrected effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the steering assist into compression and extension sections, the system achieves reliable correction for small interferences through the optimized compression section, while the overall device complexity remains manageable because each segment uses simple, well-understood spring mechanisms rather than complex active control systems.
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 resists road hazards and wind by providing consistent and significant return-to-center forces, improving vehicle handling and control, especially in adverse conditions, and allowing for hands-free steering over rough terrain.
Implementation Method 1
The first section (12) is a gas traction spring (i.e., a gas pull-type spring), and the second section (14) is a gas push-type spring
Implementation Method 2
a spool valve piston (316) seated within the first aperture (314), wherein the spool valve piston is configured and arranged for movement in the first axial direction with respect to the first shaft (312)
Implementation Method 3
A biasing member (324) is seated within the second aperture (322), wherein the biasing member is configured and arranged to bias the spool valve piston (316)
Data Source
AI summary
A trim lock and a centering assembly that provides a centering force between a first portion of a system and a second portion of the system. The centering assembly includes a centering stabilizer that provides a centering force along an axial direction thereof, a trim lock configured and arranged to change a location of one axial end of the centering stabilizer, with respect to the second portion of the system, between an original location and an adjusted location, and to lock the axial end of the centering stabilizer at the adjusted location, a connecting unit for operatively connecting the trim lock with the centering stabilizer, and a mounting member for movably mounting the centering stabilizer with respect to the second portion of the system, wherein the mounting member permits axial movement of the centering stabilizer with respect to said second portion of the system.