Adaptive Steering Range Limiting Device for Rollover Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering control systems, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), cannot prevent vehicle rollover when the steering wheel is turned too sharply for the vehicle speed, especially in sudden object appearance situations.
Innovation Solution
The Anti-Roll Steering (ARS) system adaptively adjusts the steering range of motion by using a control unit and unidirectional brake assemblies to restrict steering when the vehicle approaches a predetermined speed, thereby preventing rollover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems are used to improve vehicle stability, then vehicle spin and fish-tailing are reduced, but the system cannot prevent rollover when steering wheel is turned too sharply for vehicle speed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the steering control function into two independent systems: ESC for general stability control and ARS for specific rollover prevention. The ARS system segments the steering column into controllable sections with independent brake assemblies that can apply braking force selectively to restrict steering wheel rotation when rollover risk is detected, thereby adding targeted rollover prevention capability without compromising existing ESC functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary ARS control system that acts as a mediator between the driver's steering input and the vehicle's actual steering response. The ARS controller monitors steering angle and vehicle speed, and when rollover risk is detected, it activates brake assemblies that create an intermediary braking force on the steering column, effectively filtering out excessive steering inputs that would cause rollover while allowing normal steering operation under safe conditions
2Speed
If steering wheel is turned sharply to avoid sudden objects, then vehicle responsiveness is improved, but vehicle rollover occurs at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements dynamic steering range limitation where the maximum allowable steering wheel rotation is not fixed but varies based on real-time vehicle speed and steering angle conditions. At high speeds, the ARS system dynamically restricts the steering range to prevent rollover, while at lower speeds or when returning to center position, the full steering range is restored, creating a dynamic balance between safety and operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the steering system by introducing speed-dependent steering angle thresholds. The ARS controller compares actual steering angle against threshold values that are determined by vehicle speed, and when thresholds are exceeded at high speeds, braking force is applied to reduce the effective steering range. This parameter-based control allows the system to adapt steering limitations to current operating conditions rather than using fixed mechanical stops
3Reliability
If unidirectional brake assemblies are applied to restrict steering, then rollover is prevented, but steering responsiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs periodic or intermittent braking action rather than continuous braking. The ARS controller monitors steering input continuously and only applies brake assemblies when rollover risk conditions are detected (high speed combined with excessive steering angle). Once the steering wheel is returned toward center position or speed decreases below the threshold, the braking force is released, allowing the steering system to resume full responsiveness. This periodic application of braking force prevents rollover while minimizing impact on normal steering performance
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
The ARS system effectively prevents vehicle rollover by restricting steering beyond the rollover threshold at high speeds, while allowing full steering range at lower speeds, thus enhancing vehicle safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first left hand unidirectional brake assembly (LHUBA) and a second right hand unidirectional brake assembly (RHUBA)
Data Source
AI summary
The rollover prevention apparatus defines an adaptive steering range limiting device comprising a control unit and a pair of opposing unidirectional brake assemblies mounted to a steering column position detection disc. The rollover prevention apparatus prevents the steering wheel of the vehicle from being turned beyond the threshold of vehicle rollover, but otherwise does not restrict the rotational range of motion of the steering wheel of a vehicle.