Vehicle Steering System with Electrical Dependency for Wheel Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle steering systems face challenges in maintaining optimal wheel alignment across various driving conditions, leading to tire wear and increased fuel consumption due to mechanical dependencies between wheels.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle steering system that employs an electrical/data dependency between the left and right wheels, utilizing processing circuitry to analyze the status of one steering assembly and adjust the steering angle of the other wheel accordingly, thereby optimizing steering angles in different driving scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical steering linkage connects both wheels rigidly, then steering structure is simple and reliable, but wheel alignment cannot be optimized for different driving conditions leading to tire wear and increased fuel consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel alignment adaptabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid mechanical linkage between left and right steering assemblies with an electrical/data dependency system. The processing circuitry receives status information from one steering assembly and calculates control signals for the other, eliminating the mechanical constraint that prevented independent wheel alignment optimization. This substitution enables adaptive wheel alignment for different driving conditions, reducing rolling resistance and fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, fixed mechanical linkage to a dynamic control system where steering angles can be independently adjusted based on real-time driving conditions. The processing circuitry continuously monitors status of one steering assembly and dynamically calculates optimal steering angles for the other wheel, enabling the system to adapt to varying driving scenarios such as straight driving, curve driving, and parking maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical steering linkage is used to connect both wheels, then the system is simple in structure, but it causes tire wear due to inability to adjust wheel alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering angle adjustmentVSAvoidtire wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical/data dependency is implemented between steering assemblies, then wheel alignment can be optimized for different driving conditions, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering angle optimizationVSAvoidsteering system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing circuitry serves multiple functions: it receives status information from steering assemblies, determines current driving conditions, calculates optimal steering angles, and sends control signals to support motors. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own status information from one steering assembly to automatically calculate and control the steering angle of the other wheel. The processing circuitry self-determines the optimal steering configuration based on real-time feedback, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If processing circuitry calculates desired steering angle based on status of one steering assembly, then precise steering control is achieved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering angle precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing circuitry receives real-time status information from one steering assembly and uses this feedback to calculate the optimal steering angle for the other wheel. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise steering angle control while using a relatively simple calculation approach that considers the current driving condition and desired steering angle relationship.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12319365B2Vehicle steering system and method for controlling a steering angle of a vehicle wheel

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle steering system comprising a steering wheel, a first and a second steering assembly. The steering assemblies each comprise a steering linkage mechanically connected to a road wheel and a support motor. The steering wheel is configured to control a steering angle of a first road wheel via a first support motor actuating a first steering linkage. A processing circuitry is configured to receive, from the first steering assembly, input signals comprising one or more steering parameter values measured for the first steering assembly. Based on the received first input signals, the processing circuitry is configured to calculate a desired steering angle of a second road wheel and to send control signals to a second support motor so as to actuate a second steering linkage such that the desired steering angle of the second road wheel is obtained. A method is also disclosed.