Actuator Control Duplexed Sensor Bus Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuator control systems require an increased number of communication paths between electronic devices and controllers, which can lead to complexity and reduced reliability due to the need for redundant sensors and multiple connections, especially in electric power steering systems.
Innovation Solution
The actuator control apparatus employs a duplexed system with two sets of electronic devices, each set having different functions, connected via a single serial bus, allowing the controller to continue operation even if one device malfunctions, and uses a majority decision method for fault detection with additional devices, thereby minimizing the number of communication paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are provided for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but the number of communication paths and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (torque sensor and rotation angle sensor) into a single integrated sensor unit that outputs combined detection results. This merging approach maintains redundancy for reliability while reducing the number of separate communication paths needed, as the integrated sensor transmits consolidated data through fewer channels to the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs both torque detection and rotation angle detection, and provides both primary and backup detection capabilities. This multi-functionality allows a single sensor component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors and their associated communication paths.
2Reliability
If each sensor is individually connected to the controller, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but the number of terminals and connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor connections into a single integrated sensor unit with one communication path. Instead of individually connecting the torque sensor and rotation angle sensor to the control unit through separate terminals, the integrated sensor provides combined outputs through a unified communication interface, reducing terminal requirements while maintaining signal integrity.
3Reliability
If redundant sensors are made operational, then system reliability is improved, but the number of communication paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated sensor unit combines the output signals of multiple sensors into a single communication stream. By merging the detection results of the torque sensor and rotation angle sensor within the integrated unit before transmission, the system maintains redundant sensing capabilities while reducing the number of separate communication paths to the control unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an actuator control apparatus configured such that even when an electronic device that generates an electric signal to be used to control an actuator is provided in the form of a duplexed system, an increase in the number of communication paths between the electronic device and a controller is suppressed. A torque sensor (52) and a rotation angle sensor (53) are each provided in the form of a duplexed system. A torque sensor (52a) and a rotation angle sensor (53b) are connected to a microcomputer (42) via a SPI communication line (61), and a rotation angle sensor (53a) and a torque sensor (52b) are connected to the microcomputer (42) via a SPI communication line (62). The torque sensors (52a, 52b) and the rotation angle sensors (53a, 53b) are connected to the microcomputer (42) via CS communication lines (71 to 74), respectively. By selecting a communication target via a corresponding one of the CS communication lines (71 to 74), the microcomputer (42) is able to receive multiple kinds of electric signals via each one of the SPI communication lines (61, 62).