Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of automobile engineering. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to spherical poppet device for optimized power steering systems and method thereof.
BACKGROUND
In a Hydraulic Assist Power Steering (HAPS) system, the management of pressure and control of Pitman arm movement is crucial for smooth and controlled steering operation. Within this system, the utilization of poppet and poppet seat arrangements plays a pivotal role. There are two conventional types employed: Conical and Spherical shaped poppets. Their primary function is to regulate the movement of the Pitman arm and offset the system pressure from high to low pressure zones, especially during steering extreme lock conditions. This arrangement serves to prevent the build-up of excessive pressure that occurs when the steering is at full-lock, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
The poppet and poppet seat are integral components of the rack piston assembly, featuring pre-defined dimensions for the poppet projection on both the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides, tailored according to specific vehicle requirements. To facilitate the movement of the LH and RH side poppets, a helical-shaped mechanical device is employed. This device aids in guiding and assembling the poppets, providing axial outwards side compression force, which is crucial for their intended operation within the hydraulic steering system.
As the LH and RH side poppets move, they come into contact with the chamber wall against the applied outwards axial compression force. This interaction creates a space that allows pressurized oil to relieve between the LH and RH chambers. However, during this high-pressure oil relief process, a distinctive whistle noise is generated, characterized by its high frequency. This noise can often cause discomfort or irritation to the operator while driving a tractor.
It's important to note that the whistle noise occurs specifically when the poppet touches the housing surface. Subsequently, as the pressure is relieved, the noise gradually diminishes from a whistle to a hissing sound, which is generally acceptable level of noise in tractor applications. However, the initial whistle noise surpasses the acceptable limit for customers. This is particularly concerning as the placement of the hydraulic assist power steering in a tractor is positioned near the driver's operating zone, increasing the potential for annoyance or discomfort during operation.
Comparatively, in commercial vehicles, the gear placement is situated outside of the cabin, with the driver's operating zone housed within a separate cabin. This difference in configuration reduces the likelihood of the driver being affected by similar noises generated by the steering system, as experienced in tractors.
Addressing this issue of excessive whistle noise in tractor steering system is imperative to enhance the overall driving experience and customer satisfaction.
Therefore, there remains a need for a spherical poppet device for a power steering system with high precision to overcome the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the spherical poppet device for a power steering system is provided.
The spherical poppet device includes a rack piston body that is configured to accommodate the spherical poppet. The spherical poppet device further includes a housing enveloping said rack piston body.
The spherical poppet device further includes spherical poppets located within the housing on opposite sides of the rack piston body.
The spherical poppet device further includes poppet seats aligned with the spherical poppets 106, each poppet seat having a hollow conical body.
The spherical poppet device further includes a compression spring positioned to exert force on the spherical poppets, facilitating controlled movement.
The spherical poppet device further includes a rod positioned to stop the movement of the spherical poppets with precision. Act as a mechanical stopper.
The spherical poppet device further includes a valve housing incorporating a bearing adjuster to maintain integrity of the spherical poppet's hitting surface.
The spherical poppet device further includes sealing components including an O-ring and a seal ring adapted for splitting the chamber into LH & RH Chamber above the rack piston body.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the spherical poppets are designed for both left-hand LH and right-hand RH configurations.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the spherical poppet seat arrangement is configured to allow unrestricted oil flow between a bottom gallery and a top gallery.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the rod is comprised of nylon to enhance the precision of the poppet's movement.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the spherical poppet device for a power steering system further includes a pitman arm, sector shaft is adapted to interface with the rack piston body during steering maneuvers.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the compression spring is configured to provide a locking force necessary to maintain the engagement of the spherical poppets with their respective seats during operation.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the poppet seats have two distinct diameters on the LH and RH sides to maintain a neutral pressure drop (NPD) below 10 bar pressure, optimizing system performance.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the spherical poppet device for a power steering system, further includes meticulously finished inner diameters of the poppet seats and outer diameters of the poppet rods to minimize hydraulic noise and enhance smoother operation.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the precise face contact between the poppet rod and both LH and RH chambers is ensured for consistent functionality and system reliability.
In second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for regulating pressure in a power steering system is provided.
The method includes initiating movement of the rack piston body in response to a steering input via a steering wheel. The method further includes transferring pressure from a high-pressure chamber to a low-pressure chamber by movement of the spherical poppets against the poppet seats, where said movement is controlled by the displacement of the rod and the force exerted by the compression spring. The method further includes regulating the opening of the spherical poppets from a fully closed position at 0.0 mm, where the pressure is highest, to a fully open position, while monitoring the pressure decrease across the hydraulic line. The method further includes measuring the decrease in hydraulic pressure as the spherical poppets move from the fully closed position to the fully open position at specified increments, and recording the pressure at each stage. The method further includes ensuring a gradual and controlled pressure relief by adjusting the tension of the compression spring based on the desired pressure drop rate, thereby preventing mechanical stress and ensuring system stability. The method further includes maintaining a neutral pressure drop (NPD) below 10 bar across the hydraulic line between an inlet port and a return port through strategic configuration of poppet seats with distinct diameters for the left-hand LH and right-hand RH sides. The method further includes minimizing hydraulic noise and enhancing smoother operation by maintaining meticulously finished inner diameters of the poppet seats and outer diameters of the spherical poppets. The method further includes ensuring precise face contact of the rod with both LH and RH chambers of the power steering gear for consistent functionality and enhanced system reliability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In the drawing,
Figure 1 illustrates a spherical poppet device for a power steering system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of Power steering gear arrangement, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates partial cross-sectional view of spherical poppet and poppet seat arrangement, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates partial cross-sectional view of conical Poppet Concept, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates partial cross-sectional view of spherical poppet, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and
Figure 6 illustrates a graph representing poppet relieving pressure for spherical concept and regular concept, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description.
References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be references to the same embodiment or any embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.
Reference to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", “one aspect”, “some aspects”, “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.
The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and no special significance should be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. In some cases, synonyms for certain terms are provided.
A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms.
The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any example term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. Without intent to limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.
Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or can be learned by the practice of the principles set forth herein.
As mentioned before, there is a need for technology that overcomes these drawbacks associated with the traditional block-based constructions. The present disclosure therefore provides a computer-based block-based construction system that is both qualitative and enjoyable for users of all ages. The present disclosure provides the system that is easy to use, even for young children, and it should offer a variety of features that allow users to be creative and build complex structures.
As mentioned, before that there remains a need for a spherical poppet device for a power steering system with high precision to overcome the aforementioned problems. The present disclosure therefore provides a possible solution by redesigning the poppet and poppet seat arrangement, exploring alternative materials or coatings to reduce friction, or implementing noise-dampening technologies without compromising the steering system's efficiency and safety standards. This invention help’s to improve the Neutral Pressure Drop (NPD) across the hydraulic line which reduce the fuel consumption by means of less pump usage at the steering stable condition.
Figure 1 illustrates a spherical poppet device for a power steering system 100, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates the cross-sectional view of power steering gear arrangement, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates the partial cross-sectional view of spherical poppet and poppet seat arrangement, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
The spherical poppet device for a power steering system 100 may include a rack piston Body 102, housing 104, spherical poppets 106, poppet seats 108, a rod 110, a compression spring 112, a rack poppet bore 114, sealing components 116, a valve housing 120, and a pitman arm 122.
The rack piston Body 102 designed to accommodate the spherical poppet device for the power steering system 100.
The one or more sealing components 116 that includes O-ring and seal ring may be adapted for ensuring tight sealing for the topside chamber.
The spherical poppets 106 are configured for the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides, each fashioned as solid bodies.
The poppet seats 108 may be positioned on the LH and RH sides of the rack piston assembly 102 respectively, featuring hollow bodies. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the hollow bodies may be a conical hollow body.
The compression spring 112 may be adapted for regulating the controlled movement of the poppet.
The rod 110 may be adapted for governing precision of the poppet's movement. The precision-machined surfaces within the housing may be adapted for facilitating the poppet hitting surface on the bottom side.
The valve housing 120 bearing adjuster ensuring the integrity of the poppet hitting surface on the top side. The Oriented placement of the poppet 106 and poppet seat 108 within the housing 104 for optimal functionality.
In one aspect, the spherical poppet seat arrangement can be positioned between top and bottom gallery, also direct connection is provided for oil flow movement without any restriction from bottom to top gallery. Further, the poppet and poppet seat arrangement of the present invention could be retrofitted to the gear application as a stand-alone apparatus. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the spherical poppet seat arrangement is configured to allow unrestricted oil flow between a bottom gallery and a top gallery.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the positioning of the poppet and poppet seat assembly is in proximity to the bottom gallery opening of the steering gear for enhanced operational efficacy.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the rod 110 may be a nylon rod enhance the precision of the poppet's (106) movement.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, a larger outer diameter of the poppet seat and poppet rod is preferred to maintain a Neutral Pressure Drop (NPD) below 10 bar pressure, ensuring system stability.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, employing two distinct diameters for poppet seats on the LH and RH sides is preferred to maintain a Neutral Pressure Drop (NPD) below 10 bar pressure, optimizing system performance.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the Neutral Pressure Drop across the hydraulic line between an inlet port 124 and a return port 126 may be maintained less than 10 bar pressure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, meticulously finished inner diameters of the poppet seat 108 and outer diameters of the poppet rod contribute to minimizing hydraulic noise for smoother operation.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, ensuring precise face contact of the poppet rod 110 with both LH and RH chambers for consistent functionality.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, emphasizing the criticality of the locking mechanism between the poppet seat 108 and rack piston to prevent internal leaks between LH and RH chambers, enhancing system reliability.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, highlighting the sensitivity of the compression spring force acting on the poppet rod, essential for ensuring flawless locking in both LH and RH chambers, guaranteeing system integrity.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more sealing components may include a seal ring and O-ring.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the rack piston assembly 102 may be assembled between steering gear bottom gallery zone 104 and top gallery zone 120. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the spherical poppet 106 may be assembled inside the rack piston assembly on both LH and RH side 102. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the poppet seat 108 may be assembled inside the rack piston assembly on both LH and RH side 102. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the compression spring 112 may be assembled inside the poppet bore 114 against the side face of poppet face also guided with shoulder of poppet to get the retention force and ensure the internal leak of system. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the rod 110 assembled between LH and RH poppet seat 108 and inside the compression spring 112. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the compression spring (112) is configured to provide a locking force necessary to maintain the engagement of the spherical poppets (106) with their respective poppet seats (108) during operation.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the O-ring and seal ring 116 may be placed over the rack piston assembly 102 to avoid internal leak. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the sector shaft assembly 118 pushes the rack piston assembly 102 during steering turning; a spherical poppet and poppet seat arrangement is placed neat to bottom gallery zone 104 for quick oil relieving.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, during LH turning pitman arm 122 rotates clockwise direction and rack piston assembly 102 moves towards bottom gallery zone 104 with high pressure, once poppet104 touches to wall of bottom gallery zone104, gap may be created between poppet and poppet seat gradually and pressure transferred from high to low pressure chamber. Similarly, RH turning pitman arm 122 rotates anti-clockwise direction and rack piston assembly 102 moves towards top gallery of valve housing 120 with high pressure, once poppet 104 touches to wall of top gallery 120, gap is created between poppet and poppet seat gradually and pressure transferred from high to low pressure chamber.
In an exemplary scenario, figure 6 illustrates graph representing trend showing that as the poppet movement increases (measured in millimetres), the pressure relief (measured in bar) decreases suggesting the poppet valve is effectively reducing the pressure in the system as it opens further.
At 0.0 mm (fully closed), the pressure is at its highest, ~96.5 bar. As the poppet moves to 3.6 mm (fully open in this dataset), the pressure drops significantly to 8 bar. The rate of pressure decrease is initially quite steep. Between 0.0 mm and 1.5 mm of movement, the pressure drops from 96.5 to 49.1 bar. This is a reduction of 47.4 bar over 1.5 mm of movement, averaging a drop of 31.6 bar per mm. After 1.5 mm, the decrease in pressure continues but at a slower rate. From 1.5 mm to 3.6 mm, the pressure decreases from 49.1 bar to 8 bar, which is a reduction of 41.1 bar over 2.1 mm of movement, averaging 19.6 bar per mm. The valve seems to be very effective at controlling pressure, especially in the initial stages of opening. The pressure control becomes less aggressive as the valve opens further, which might be desirable depending on the application to prevent too rapid a drop in pressure that could disrupt system processes or cause mechanical stress.
Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart that depicts a method 700 for regulating pressure in a power steering system 100, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
The method 700 may include the following steps:
At step 702, initiating movement of the rack piston body 102 in response to a steering input via a steering wheel 122.
At step 704, transferring pressure from a high-pressure chamber to a low-pressure chamber by movement of the spherical poppets 106 against the poppet seats 108, where said movement is controlled by the displacement of the rod 110 and the force exerted by the compression spring 112.
At step 706, regulating the opening of the spherical poppets 106 from a fully closed position at 0.0 mm, where the pressure is highest, to a fully open position, while monitoring the pressure decrease across the hydraulic line.
At step 708, measuring the decrease in hydraulic pressure as the spherical poppets 106 move from the fully closed position to the fully open position at specified increments, and recording the pressure at each stage.
At step 710, ensuring a gradual and controlled pressure relief by adjusting the tension of the compression spring 112 based on the desired pressure drop rate, thereby preventing mechanical stress and ensuring system stability.
At step 712, maintaining a neutral pressure drop (NPD) below 10 bar across the hydraulic line between an inlet port 124 and a return port 126 through strategic configuration of poppet seats 108 with distinct diameters for the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides.
At step 714, minimizing hydraulic noise and enhancing smoother operation by maintaining meticulously finished inner diameters of the poppet seats 108 and outer diameters of the spherical poppets 106.
At step 716, ensuring precise face contact of the rod 110 with both LH and RH chambers of the housing body 102 for consistent functionality and enhanced system reliability.
The implementation set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementation described can be directed to various combinations and sub combinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub combinations of the several further features disclosed above.
In addition, the logic flows depicted in the accompany figures and/or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other implementations may be within the scope of the following claims.
, Claims:1. A spherical poppet device for a power steering system (100) comprising:
a rack piston body (102) configured to accommodate the spherical poppet device;
a housing (104) enveloping said rack piston body (102);
spherical poppets (106) located within the housing (104) on opposite sides of the rack piston body (102);
poppet seats (108) aligned with the spherical poppets (106), each poppet seat having a hollow conical body;
a compression spring (112) positioned to exert force on the spherical poppets (106), facilitating controlled movement;
a rod (110) positioned to adjust the movement of the spherical poppets (106) with precision;
a valve housing (120) incorporating a retainer ring to maintain integrity of the spherical poppet's (106) hitting surface; and
sealing components (116) including an O-ring and a seal ring adapted for tight sealing of the chamber above the rack piston body (102).

2. The spherical poppet device for a power steering system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spherical poppets (106) are designed for both left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) configurations.

3. The spherical poppet device for a power steering system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spherical poppet seat arrangement is configured to allow unrestricted oil flow between a bottom gallery and a top gallery.

4. The spherical poppet device for a power steering system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rod (110) is comprised of nylon to enhance the precision of the poppet's (106) movement.

5. The spherical poppet device for a power steering system (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pitman arm (122) adapted to interface with the rack piston body (102) during steering maneuvers.

6. The spherical poppet device for a power steering system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compression spring (112) is configured to provide a locking force necessary to maintain the engagement of the spherical poppets (106) with their respective seats (108) during operation.

7. The spherical poppet device for a power steering system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the poppet seats (108) have two distinct diameters on the LH and RH sides to maintain a neutral pressure drop (NPD) below 10 bar pressure, optimizing system performance.

8. The spherical poppet device for a power steering system (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising meticulously finished inner diameters of the poppet seats (108) and outer diameters of the poppet rods to minimize hydraulic noise and enhance smoother operation.

9. The spherical poppet device for a power steering system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein precise face contact between the poppet rod (110) and both LH and RH chambers is ensured for consistent functionality and system reliability.

10. A method (700) for regulating pressure in a power steering system (100), the method (700) comprising:
initiating (702) movement of the rack piston body (102) in response to a steering input via a steering wheel (122);
transferring (704) pressure from a high-pressure chamber to a low-pressure chamber by movement of the spherical poppets (106) against the poppet seats (108), where said movement is controlled by the displacement of the rod (110) and the force exerted by the compression spring (112);
regulating (706) the opening of the spherical poppets (106) from a fully closed position at 0.0 mm, where the pressure is highest, to a fully open position, while monitoring the pressure decrease across the hydraulic line;
measuring (708) the decrease in hydraulic pressure as the spherical poppets (106) move from the fully closed position to the fully open position at specified increments, and recording the pressure at each stage;
ensuring (710) a gradual and controlled pressure relief by adjusting the tension of the compression spring (112) based on the desired pressure drop rate, thereby preventing mechanical stress and ensuring system stability;
maintaining (712) a neutral pressure drop (NPD) below 10 bar across the hydraulic line between an inlet port (124) and a return port (126) through strategic configuration of poppet seats (108) with distinct diameters for the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides;
minimizing (714) hydraulic noise and enhancing smoother operation by maintaining meticulously finished inner diameters of the poppet seats (108) and outer diameters of the spherical poppets (106); and
ensuring (716) precise face contact of the rod (110) with both LH and RH chambers of the rack piston body (102) for consistent functionality and enhanced system reliability.