Electric Power Steering Sensor Output Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power steering devices with unitized torque sensors, electric motors, and steering mechanisms face variations in output characteristics and friction, leading to inconsistent steering force across products, which cannot be effectively suppressed by current adjustment methods.
Innovation Solution
An adjusting apparatus and method that include a steering mechanism, torque sensor, electric motor, sensor circuit, actuator, and sensor output adjuster, which measure and adjust the steering force to approximate an ideal value by calculating deviations and modifying the sensor circuit's output characteristics, thereby addressing variations in torque sensor, electric motor, and steering mechanism performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the torque sensor output is adjusted in the output sensor output adjustment process, then the output variation among torque sensor products is suppressed, but the steering force variation among electric power steering device products cannot be suppressed due to variations in electric motor output characteristic and steering mechanism friction
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting apparatus measures the actual steering force generated by the electric power steering device and feeds back this information to calculate a correction value. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for variations in electric motor output and steering mechanism friction, adjusting the torque sensor output to achieve consistent steering force across different products.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the output parameters of the torque sensor based on measured steering force data. By calculating the difference between measured and ideal steering force values, the system adjusts the torque sensor output characteristics to compensate for product variations, thereby achieving consistent steering force performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate adjustment processes are performed for torque sensor output and steering force characteristics, then each component can be optimized, but productivity is reduced due to multiple adjustment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting apparatus merges the torque sensor output adjustment with the steering force characteristic adjustment into a single integrated process. By measuring the actual steering force and calculating correction values that account for both torque sensor output and electric motor variations, the system achieves comprehensive optimization in one step, eliminating the need for separate adjustment processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting apparatus performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures steering force, calculates correction values for torque sensor output, compensates for electric motor variations, and adjusts the overall system characteristics. This multi-functional approach allows a single adjustment process to optimize multiple components and characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjusting apparatus for an electric power steering device includes a steering mechanism converting an input torque into a steering force and transmitting the steering force to wheels, a torque sensor outputting a torque detection signal according to an input torque, an electric motor applying a steering assist torque according to a torque detection signal output from the sensor, a sensor circuit changing output characteristics of the sensor, an actuator applying an input torque to the steering mechanism, a steering force meter actuating the motor via the sensor according to an input torque and measuring a steering force output by the steering mechanism, and a sensor output adjuster adjusting the output characteristic of the sensor circuit to approximate a steering force measured by the meter to an ideal value set in advance according to a deviation amount calculated based on a difference between the steering force and the ideal value.