Dual-Pump Power Steering for Stable Flow and Smooth Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power steering systems in heavy-duty vehicles face challenges with fully electric solutions being expensive and dual pumps causing steering wheel feedback and flow disruptions, leading to negative impacts on drivability and handling.
Innovation Solution
A power steering system with a controllable first pump driven by the vehicle's propulsion source and a second pump driven by wheel rotation, operating in parallel to provide smooth transitions and constant fluid flow, controlled by a power steering control system to optimize safety and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a fully electric power steering solution is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power steering system is divided into two separate pumps: a first pump driven by the propulsion source and a second pump driven by wheel rotation. This segmentation allows the system to utilize existing mechanical energy sources rather than requiring a dedicated expensive electric motor, thereby improving energy efficiency while avoiding the high costs associated with fully electric solutions.
2Reliability
If dual power steering pumps are used, then safety and reliability are improved, but steering wheel feedback quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the operation of the two pumps based on real-time operating conditions. The controller can adjust which pump operates and at what level, enabling smooth transitions between pumps and maintaining consistent hydraulic flow. This dynamic control eliminates the perceptible feedback disturbances that typically occur when switching between dual pumps, while still providing redundancy for safety.
3Reliability
If dual power steering pumps are used, then reliability is improved, but fluid flow stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power steering control system continuously monitors the operating conditions and pump performance, using feedback control to maintain stable fluid flow. When transitioning between pumps or adjusting pump operation, the controller receives feedback on flow conditions and makes real-time adjustments to compensate for potential disruptions, ensuring consistent hydraulic flow to the steering actuator while maintaining the reliability benefits of dual pumps.
Data Source
AI summary
A power steering system has a power steering control system configured to control the power steering system, a first power steering pump configured to be driven by a propulsion source of the vehicle, a second power steering pump configured to be driven by the rotation of the wheels of the vehicle. The first power steering pump is a controllable pump operatively connected to the power steering control system and the power steering control system is configured to control said first power steering pump. The first and second power steering pump are connected to a common power steering fluid circuit such that said first and second power steering pump can operate in parallel to simultaneously provide power steering assistance.