Dual-Mode Current Sensing for Redundant Steering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is an increasing need for enhanced redundancy and reliability in vehicle steering systems, particularly in electromotive power steering systems.
Innovation Solution
A current sensor and steering control device that utilize a conductor unit, detector, first and second generators, and a verifier to detect and verify current sensing values through magnetic fields and resistive measurements, ensuring redundancy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single current sensing method is used in the steering system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and redundancy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The current sensing function is segmented into two independent methods: a first current sensing method using a shunt resistor and operational amplifier, and a second current sensing method using a hall sensor. Each method operates independently to provide redundant current detection, ensuring that if one method fails, the other can still function to maintain system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the sensing parameter from a single electrical resistance measurement to dual parameters: electrical resistance (via shunt resistor) and magnetic field strength (via hall sensor). This parameter diversification allows the system to detect current through different physical phenomena, improving reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated circuit design.
2Reliability
If dual current sensing methods are implemented, then the redundancy is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges both current sensing methods into a single integrated current sensor device. The shunt resistor, operational amplifier, and hall sensor are combined within one device structure, allowing dual current sensing functionality to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The merged design enables compact integration and simplified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The current sensor device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both a shunt resistor-based sensing circuit and a hall sensor-based sensing circuit within the same device. This universal design allows the single device to perform multiple current sensing functions simultaneously, providing redundancy without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each method.
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 solution enhances the redundancy and reliability of current detection in steering systems by using dual sensing methods that are independent and fail-safe, reducing the impact of failures in the system.
Implementation Method 1
a detector detecting a magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the conductor unit
Implementation Method 2
a first generator generating a first current sensing value based on a resistor included in the conductor unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to an electric current sensor, a steering control device, and a method for detecting an electric current. An electric current sensor may comprise: a conductive part through which an electric current flows; a detection unit for detecting a magnetic field generated by the electric current flowing through the conductive part; a first generation unit for generating a first electric current sensing value on the basis of the resistance included in the conductive part; and a second generation unit for generating a second electric current sensing value on the basis of the magnetic field detected through the detection unit.