Generator Power Reserve for Steering Motor Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electric power steering systems face challenges in providing sufficient support torque during high-power steering maneuvers, such as parking or turning, due to limited generator power and idling conditions, where the vehicle drive unit operates with low load, leading to instability in the electrical system and reduced power availability for the electric motor.
Innovation Solution
Anticipating an impending steering operation, a controlled electrical power loss is generated and compensated by the generator, allowing for a higher power output to the electric motor by adjusting the drive unit's operation, ensuring sufficient power is available during the maneuver without affecting the vehicle's drive unit stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the generator power output is increased to meet sudden electrical power requirements during steering maneuvers, then the electric motor receives sufficient power for steering support, but the vehicle drive unit becomes unstable due to excessive load changes from low idle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit predicts an impending steering maneuver and activates the power reserve of the generator in advance, before the actual steering maneuver begins. This preliminary action allows the generator to build up electrical power reserves during normal operation, so that when high power is needed during steering, the power is already available without causing sudden load changes that would destabilize the idle drive unit.
2Power
If another electrical consumer is switched off to free up generator power for the steering system, then power availability for steering improves, but the system can only do so if such a consumer was previously in operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of switching off other electrical consumers, the system changes the operational parameters of the generator by activating a power reserve mode. The control unit increases the generator's power output capability in anticipation of steering maneuvers, allowing the generator to supply additional power to the electric motor without affecting other consumers or requiring them to be switched off.
3Power
If the accumulator supplies sudden increases in electrical power during steering maneuvers, then the electric motor receives required power, but the accumulator must be restricted to maintain electrical system stability
Solution Approach 1:
The generator acts as an intermediary between the drive unit and the electrical consumers. By predicting steering maneuvers and activating the generator's power reserve in advance, the system uses the generator as a buffer that can supply additional power during high-demand periods without requiring the accumulator to discharge heavily, thus maintaining overall electrical system stability while ensuring power availability for steering.
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 approach enhances the availability of high steering assistance power, stabilizes the electrical system voltage, and improves the stability of the vehicle's idling range by providing a power reserve, ensuring reliable support during critical steering maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (5) driven by the vehicle's drive unit (100) and has an accumulator (200)... the generator provides a correspondingly higher electrical power
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor for power assistance... provides the desired support torque for a steering process
Data Source
AI summary
The method involves predicting steering of a vehicle in an operating condition of a drive unit in which a limited modification in performance requirements of a generator is acceptable. Electrical power dissipation is produced in a power supply system in case of the steering and the limitation of modification of the performance requirements of the generator, and is compensated by the generator. Addition power dissipation is not produced in the beginning of the steering such that the generator provides a corresponding high electrical power for an electric motor of a steering system.