Vehicle Gyro Steering Angle Sensor Without Mechanical Linkages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle stability control systems using rate gyros lack precise estimation of relative angular coordinates between vehicle parts, such as the main body and ground controllable wheels, leading to instability and inefficiencies in steering and navigation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing multiple sensors, including rate gyroscopes, to measure and process relative angular coordinates, integrating sensor data to estimate and correct for integrator offset and drift, thereby providing precise relative motion estimation between vehicle components without mechanical linkages or brackets, enhancing robustness and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rotary and linear style potentiometers with mechanical linkages are used for steering assembly angle measurement, then absolute steering assembly angle measurement relative to vehicle chassis is achieved, but installation complexity and mechanical failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkages and brackets with a direct mounting of rate gyroscopes to the steering assembly elements. The gyroscopes measure angular velocity directly, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages while maintaining measurement precision through electronic sensing rather than mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the mechanical linkages and brackets from the system by using rate gyroscopes that can be directly mounted to steering assembly elements. This extraction removes the sources of mechanical failure and installation complexity while preserving the essential measurement function.
2Device complexity
If rate gyros are used for steering assembly angle measurement, then mechanical linkages are eliminated, but precise estimation of relative angular coordinates between vehicle parts is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using multiple rate gyroscopes mounted on different vehicle parts (chassis and steering assembly) to measure angular velocity, then integrating these measurements to obtain angular position. The system continuously monitors and adjusts based on the relative angular coordinates between parts, achieving precise estimation through closed-loop measurement and computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring only angular velocity (first derivative) to measuring angular position (zeroth derivative) by integrating the gyroscopic data over time. This dimensional transformation enables precise estimation of relative angular coordinates between vehicle parts while maintaining the simplicity of direct gyro mounting.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for relative motion estimation, then measurement precision is improved, but installation time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using rate gyroscopes that can be mounted on various vehicle parts (chassis, steering assembly, wheels) to measure different parameters (body angular velocity, steering assembly angular velocity, wheel angular velocity). These same gyroscopes provide the data needed for multiple purposes including relative motion estimation, stability control, and navigation, thereby reducing overall installation time and system complexity.
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 reduces installation time and costs while improving sensor robustness and reliability, enabling precise control and stability in steering and navigation for various vehicle types, including front wheel steered and articulated vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention utilizes rotary and linear style potentiometers (with associated mechanical linkages as required) affixed between chassis and steering assembly elements resulting in an absolute steering assembly angle measurement relative to the vehicle chassis.
Implementation Method 2
processing each measurement result performed in the step (B) to estimate the relative coordinates between at least two the parts of the system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimation of relative coordinates between at least two parts of a system. The method generally includes two main steps: measuring a set of relevant coordinates for each part of the system; and processing each measurement result to estimate the relative coordinates between at least two parts of the system. The system includes a main body and at least one sub assembly. A first sensor A is configured to measure a movement rate of a sub assembly. A second sensor B is configured to measure a movement rate of a main body. A third absolute measurement sensor C is configured to estimate an integrator offset and a drift rate due to the first sensor A bias and due to the second sensor B bias.