EPS Controller Center Point Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems, particularly in off-road vehicles, face challenges in configuring and maintaining optimal steering parameters due to variance in mechanical components, leading to inconsistent performance and potential operator errors during center point determination.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic power steering (EPS) system with an actuator, torque sensor, angle sensor, and EPS system controller that determines and stores the steering rack center point and vehicle center zero point within a threshold, allowing for automatic or manual configuration to ensure accurate and repeatable assembly processes, thereby enhancing steering system performance and reducing operator error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration of steering center point is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to operator error
Solution Approach 1:
The EPS system performs self-configuration by automatically determining the steering rack center point through sensor data processing. The controller autonomously calculates the center point based on steering angle sensor readings during steering operations, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and ensuring consistent precision without adding operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with electronic sensing and computational approaches. Steering angle sensors and controller algorithms substitute for physical measurement tools and operator judgment, providing automated, repeatable center point determination that improves precision while maintaining system simplicity
2Manufacturing precision
If automatic center point determination is implemented, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The EPS controller performs multiple functions including steering assistance control, center point determination, and configuration management using existing hardware components. The steering angle sensor serves both operational feedback and center point calibration purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines the steering rack center point by analyzing changes in steering angle parameters during controlled steering movements. The controller processes dynamic parameter variations rather than requiring static physical measurements, enabling precise center point identification through computational methods using existing sensor data
3Reliability
If threshold-based center point validation is used, then reliability improves, but loss of time increases due to validation checking
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs center point determination and threshold validation during the initial configuration phase or system startup before normal operation begins. By completing the validation process in advance, the patent ensures reliable center point configuration without causing time delays during actual steering operations, as the calibrated data is stored and reused
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a steering system for a vehicle. The steering system may include a steering rack and an electronic power steering (EPS) system. The EPS system may include an actuator that assists movement of the steering rack, a torque sensor; an angle sensor; and an EPS system controller. The EPS controller may be configured to determine a steering rack center point indicating a center of the steering rack between opposite maximum steering angles. The EPS controller may be configured to determine a vehicle center zero point. The EPS controller may be configured to store the vehicle center zero point in response to determining that the vehicle center zero point is within a threshold of the steering rack center point.