Alternator Field Control for Electric Steering Power Arbitration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically assisted power steering systems face challenges in providing immediate assistance after a vehicle is stopped, leading to difficult steering during engine start-ups due to the time required to power up the system.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts the alternator load in response to steering inputs and engine torque requests, increasing power to the electric steering system when higher steering angles or torque is detected, and prioritizing engine torque for acceleration when necessary, to improve vehicle launch and alternator field control during automatic engine starts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the alternator load is increased to provide more power to the electric steering system, then the steering assistance is improved, but the engine torque available for vehicle acceleration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The alternator load is made dynamic and adjustable based on real-time steering conditions and engine operating parameters. The control system continuously monitors steering angle, steering torque, engine speed, and engine torque requests, then dynamically adjusts the alternator field current to optimize the balance between steering power and engine torque availability during transient conditions like vehicle launch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the alternator's electrical parameters (field current, output voltage, output current) based on detected steering conditions. When high steering torque or large steering angle is detected, the alternator parameters are adjusted to provide maximum steering power. When steering demands are low, alternator parameters are reduced to maximize engine torque for acceleration.
2Speed
If the engine torque is prioritized for vehicle acceleration, then the vehicle launch performance is improved, but the steering assistance may become insufficient during high steering demands
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements closed-loop feedback by continuously monitoring steering angle sensors, steering torque sensors, and engine parameters. Based on this feedback, the system determines when steering assistance is critically needed and adjusts alternator load accordingly, ensuring that steering power is maintained during high-demand conditions while optimizing engine torque for acceleration when steering demands are moderate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of steering conditions before making alternator load adjustments. By detecting steering angle and torque requests in advance, the control system can proactively adjust alternator field current to prevent power deficiency in the electric steering system during upcoming high-demand steering maneuvers, while still preserving engine torque for acceleration when conditions permit.
3Ease of operation
If the alternator field current is increased to improve steering system power, then the steering response is improved, but the engine load increases reducing overall vehicle performance
Solution Approach 1:
The alternator field current is dynamically controlled based on real-time steering responsiveness requirements and vehicle launch conditions. The system adjusts field current in real-time to provide enhanced steering responsiveness only when steering angle or steering torque exceeds thresholds, rather than maintaining high field current continuously, thus preserving engine performance during vehicle launch while ensuring steering responsiveness when needed.
4Power
If the engine torque is reduced to allow alternator to provide more steering power, then the steering assistance is improved, but the vehicle acceleration capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes engine operating parameters (torque output, RPM) and alternator parameters (field current, electrical output) in a coordinated manner based on detected steering conditions. When high steering power is required, the system adjusts both engine torque and alternator output parameters to optimize the trade-off, ensuring adequate steering power while maintaining sufficient engine torque for acceptable vehicle acceleration 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
This approach enhances vehicle launch by providing smoother engine torque during acceleration, improves alternator field control, and optimizes engine torque arbitration and speed control, resulting in improved vehicle performance and reduced steering difficulty after engine start-ups.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting a load of an alternator applied to an engine
Data Source
AI summary
A method for supplying power to an electrically assisted steering system is described. In one example, the method adjusts alternator field current to increase energy supplied to the electrically assisted steering system in response to an automatic engine stop request. The method may improve operation of the electrically assisted steering system.