EPS Control for Power Source Malfunction Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems using current as a power source face safety and operational issues when power-related malfunctions occur, as drivers are not informed of the duration of steering capability, leading to potential loss of control.

Innovation Solution

An EPS control apparatus and method that determine power source problems by monitoring motor voltage, maintaining normal assist torque for a predetermined time, estimating available assist torque, and outputting this information through external devices to inform drivers of their steering capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If EPS system uses current as power source, then steering assistance is provided, but driver safety is compromised when power malfunction occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering assistanceVSAvoiddriver safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors voltage levels and provides feedback to the driver through display devices showing remaining assist torque and distance to safety zones, enabling informed decision-making during power malfunctions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system calculates and displays predictive information about remaining steering capability and required distance to safety zones before complete power failure occurs, allowing drivers to take preventive actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If only warning lamp is used to indicate power problem, then system complexity is reduced, but driver awareness of steering capability duration is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidsteering capability information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The information display is segmented into multiple components: voltage status, remaining assist torque estimates, distance to safety zones, and operational recommendations, providing comprehensive information without overwhelming the driver

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary information processing layer that translates raw voltage data into meaningful predictions about steering capability duration and safety zone distances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If assist torque is immediately reduced when voltage drops, then energy conservation is improved, but driver control is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conservationVSAvoiddriver control

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts assist torque based on real-time voltage conditions while maintaining sufficient assistance for safe operation, optimizing the balance between energy conservation and driver control needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains adequate assist torque levels as a cushion during voltage transitions to ensure continuous driver control capability while managing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11299199B2Apparatus and method for EPS control to cope with power source problem of vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 HL MANDO CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for EPS control, which determine the amount of assist torque and estimate the amount of available assist in order to prevent a problem in relation to vehicle driving and driver's safety when there is malfunction in power supply. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an effect in which the driver can take various measures according to his or her determination, instead of promptly moving the vehicle to a safety zone.