Independent Wheel Steering Knuckle With Harmonic Gear Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric steering devices have complex configurations and limitations in controlling steering angles, making precise control of auxiliary force difficult and prone to failure due to oil leaks.
Innovation Solution
An electric independent steering apparatus with a simplified configuration, featuring a first knuckle, a rotatable second knuckle with a motor, a harmonic gear, and a hub bearing, which allows each wheel to be independently controlled up to 90 degrees, using a harmonic gear with a reduction ratio of 20:1 to 200:1 for precise steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional electric steering device with drive link, pivot link, and tie rod is used, then steering assistance is provided, but the configuration becomes complex and steering angle control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into independent modular units, with each wheel having its own steering apparatus. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages (drive link, pivot link, tie rod) while enabling independent control of each wheel's steering angle, achieving both simplified configuration and enhanced adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional mechanical linkage system (drive link, pivot link, tie rod) is replaced with an electric motor-driven system. The motor directly drives the knuckle through a simplified transmission mechanism, eliminating complex mechanical connections while providing precise electronic control over steering angle with a range up to 90 degrees
2Force
If power steering components (pumps, gearboxes, piping) are installed, then steering assistance force is provided, but the configuration becomes complex and precise control of auxiliary force becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic power steering system (pumps, gearboxes, piping) is replaced with an electric motor system. The motor provides steering assistance force through direct electromagnetic conversion, eliminating complex hydraulic components while enabling precise electronic control of assistance force magnitude and direction
Solution Approach 2:
The steering assistance force is controlled by varying electrical parameters (voltage, current, PWM duty cycle) to the motor, allowing precise and dynamic adjustment of assistance force. This replaces the mechanical parameter control of hydraulic systems with flexible electrical parameter control
3Reliability
If power steering with hydraulic components is used, then steering assistance is provided, but the system fails when oil is leaked
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic power steering system is replaced with an electric motor system that uses electromagnetic fields for power transmission. This eliminates hydraulic oil and associated leakage problems, significantly improving reliability by removing the source of oil leakage harm while maintaining steering assistance functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the harmful factor of oil leakage by replacing the hydraulic system with an electric system. This conversion transforms a system prone to leakage into one that is inherently leak-free, turning a reliability weakness into a strength
4Device complexity
If a simplified steering structure is implemented, then device complexity is reduced and internal space increases, but precise steering control capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Complex mechanical linkages are replaced with an electric motor and simplified transmission system. The motor provides precise control through electronic feedback and control algorithms, maintaining high steering control precision while dramatically reducing structural complexity and increasing internal space
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms (encoders, sensors) that provide real-time information about steering angle and motor position. This feedback enables precise closed-loop control, ensuring accurate steering control despite the simplified mechanical structure
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
Enables separate control of each wheel, simplifies the steering apparatus structure, increases internal space, reduces weight, and provides powerful and precise steering performance.
Implementation Method 1
a harmonic gear disposed to be rotated from the upper support and rotating relative to the first knuckle with the second knuckle
Implementation Method 2
A reduction ratio of the elastic spline cover and the housing may be in a range of 20:1 to 200:1
Implementation Method 3
an outer ring that is elastically deformed along the oval shape of the inner ring through a plurality of balls provided outside the inner ring
Implementation Method 4
an elastic spline cover that is elastically deformed along an oval shape as the bearing portion is inserted into one side of an open inner peripheral surface of the elastic spline cover
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an electric independent steering apparatus comprising: a first knuckle having one end coupled to the lower end of a strut part, and including an upper support part extending and protruding outwardly from the one end and a lower support part extending and protruding from the other end so as to face the upper support part; a second knuckle which is rotatably disposed on the lower support part inside the first knuckle, has a motor installed therein, and has a driving wheel coupled to the outside thereof; and a harmonic gear which is disposed so as to be rotatable from the upper support part and relatively rotates from the first knuckle together with the second knuckle.