Wheel-Integrated Steering System with Crown Gear Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering systems in automobiles are bulky and cannot be integrated into the wheel, limiting modular design and increasing the risk of losing control, especially when encountering potholes, due to their reliance on worm drive and rack and pinion systems.
Innovation Solution
A steering system partially integrated into the vehicle wheel, utilizing a circular crown gear mechanism with motors for independent wheel turning, incorporating suspension and brake systems, and featuring dual motors for safety, eliminating the need for a steering column and allowing for wider turning circles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional steering systems (worm drive and rack and pinion) are used, then steering function is achieved, but the system is bulky and cannot be integrated into the wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steering mechanism directly with the wheel assembly, integrating the motor, crown gear, and pinion into a compact unit that fits within the wheel structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate steering components like the steering column and box, achieving both volume reduction and wheel integration simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system is segmented into modular components (motor, transmission mechanism, crown gear, pinion) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the wheel. This segmentation enables modular manufacturing while achieving compact integration within the wheel structure
2Volume of moving object
If conventional steering column and steering box are used, then steering control is provided, but interior space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the steering column and steering box from the vehicle architecture by implementing direct wheel integration. The steering function is achieved through motors and gear mechanisms mounted directly on the wheel assembly, removing bulky components that consume interior space while maintaining steering control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical steering column and steering box system with an electrically-driven system using motors and gear mechanisms integrated into the wheel. This substitution eliminates the need for long mechanical linkages and universal joints, freeing up interior space while providing steering control
3Reliability
If single motor per wheel is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but reliability is reduced due to failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates redundant motor systems in each wheel assembly, where multiple motors work together to provide steering force. This redundancy acts as a cushion against failure, ensuring that if one motor fails, the other motors can continue to provide steering control, thereby maintaining high reliability without excessive complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If standard turning radius is used, then vehicle design is simplified, but turning performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic turning mechanism where the wheel can be rotated to various angles beyond the standard limited range. The integrated motor and gear system allows the wheel to achieve extreme steering angles, enabling the vehicle to perform tight turns and navigate narrow spaces, thereby enhancing turning performance and adaptability
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
This solution provides safer, more compact steering with independent wheel control, reducing the risk of losing control over potholes and offering additional interior space by eliminating the steering column, while enabling efficient energy use through electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic motors.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a circular crown gear mechanism with motors for independent wheel turning
Data Source
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AI summary
Steering boxes currently available on the market in order to convert the rotation of the steering wheel into the angular rotation of the wheels are not suitable to be partially built into the rim of the wheels of an electric car. In addition, existing boxes do not allow the independent rotation of the wheels or wide turning radii. These limitations are overcome using a system comprising: a body into which at least one motor is built using corresponding supports, which motor(s) actuate(s) the steering rotation axle of each steered wheel in the upper part of the body, and, in the lower part, a transmission gearbox and a stationary circular crown gear with which driving pinions mesh, said pinions rotating about the crown gear, thereby rotating the entire body and the rotation axle of the wheel built into the body together with suitable means.