Flash Memory Thermal Protection in Electric Power Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flash memory devices in electric power steering systems are prone to damage due to extreme operating temperatures, which can lead to memory corruption and malfunction, as they are often required to operate beyond their rated temperature range.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a temperature sensor to monitor the system's temperature and power down or prevent the flash memory device from powering up if the temperature falls outside a predetermined range, allowing the use of components with smaller rated operating temperatures, thus preventing damage and ensuring system functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flash memory device is used in electric power steering system, then good read/write characteristics are achieved, but memory corruption and damage occur due to extreme operating temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflash memory device reliabilityVSAvoidtemperature damage to flash memory

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A temperature sensor and controller act as intermediaries between the flash memory device and the harsh thermal environment. The temperature sensor monitors the system temperature, and the controller uses this information to mediate the power supply to the flash memory device, enabling temperature-dependent protection without direct physical isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the power supply parameter (voltage) to the flash memory device based on temperature conditions. When temperature exceeds the predetermined range, the controller reduces or removes power supply voltage to protect the flash memory device from thermal damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If flash memory device operates outside rated temperature range, then system functionality is maintained in extreme conditions, but memory corruption and damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem adaptability to temperature extremesVSAvoidflash memory device reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static temperature operation to dynamic temperature-adaptive operation. The controller dynamically adjusts the power supply state of the flash memory device based on real-time temperature conditions, allowing the system to adapt to extreme temperatures while protecting the memory device when necessary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control where the temperature sensor continuously monitors system temperature and provides information to the controller, which then adjusts power supply to the flash memory device accordingly, creating a closed-loop protection mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If flash memory device is protected from temperature damage, then component reliability is improved, but system functionality may be limited in extreme temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflash memory device protectionVSAvoidsystem operational capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial protection by providing temperature-dependent power supply control rather than complete isolation. The flash memory device receives protected power supply when temperature is within the predetermined range, allowing limited operation in extreme conditions while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This solution protects the flash memory device from thermal stress, allowing it to operate within its rated temperature range, thereby preventing damage and ensuring continuous functionality of the electric power steering system while reducing costs by using less expensive components.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor configured to provide an output indicative of a temperature of a part of the electric power steering system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS12172710B2Electric power steering system

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 ZF AUTOMOTIVE UK LTD

AI summary

An electric power steering system includes an electric motor configured to provide power to a steering mechanism of a vehicle. A controller operates the electric motor in response to an input. A flash memory device is in communication with the controller. A temperature sensor provides an output indicative of a temperature of a part of the electric power steering system. The controller is configured to power down or prevent power up of the flash memory device if the temperature of the electric power steering system is outside of a predetermined temperature range. A method of operating an electric power steering system includes measuring a temperature of the electric power assisted steering system and switching off a flash memory device of the electric power steering system if the temperature of the electric power steering system is outside of a predetermined temperature range.