Power Steering Control Unit Torque Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power steering systems with dual motorizations face inefficiencies due to the inability to accurately distinguish between systematic and punctual differences in motor torque, leading to instability and poor compensation, especially during parking maneuvers and temperature-related stress.

Innovation Solution

A method that calculates and minimizes compensation requests based on the differences between target and actual motor torques, distinguishing between systematic and punctual differences to ensure precise torque compensation, thereby reducing the residue and maintaining system stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If compensation requests are calculated without distinguishing between systematic and punctual differences, then compensation coverage is maximized, but system stability deteriorates due to rebound phenomenon

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoiddifference distinction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the torque difference into two distinct components: systematic difference (affecting both motorizations equally) and punctual difference (affecting only one motorization). This segmentation allows the control system to apply different compensation strategies to each component, preventing the rebound phenomenon while maintaining compensation effectiveness for actual faults.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the torque differences from both motorizations and uses this information to calculate appropriate compensation requests. The feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of compensation based on real-time system state, distinguishing between temporary punctual differences and persistent systematic differences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If all torque differences are compensated, then torque accuracy is improved, but system stability worsens due to rebound phenomenon

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque accuracyVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by treating systematic difference and punctual difference differently in the compensation strategy. Punctual differences (local, temporary deviations) are compensated to maintain torque accuracy, while systematic differences (global, persistent deviations) are left uncompensated to maintain system stability and avoid rebound effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If dual motorization is used for redundancy, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of two independent motorizations into a unified control architecture where a single control unit manages both motorizations. The control unit receives torque requests and distributes them to both motorizations while calculating compensation requests based on their combined performance, simplifying the control structure while maintaining redundancy benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12054205B2Method for the control of a power steering system, comprising a first drive and a second drive and implementing an evaluation and regulation step
Publication Date: 2024.08.06 JTEKT EUROPE SAS
  • US12054205B2 patent drawing
  • US12054205B2 patent drawing
  • US12054205B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for the control of a power steering system includes a first drive and a second drive which are arranged in parallel and implement an evaluation and regulation step calculating the first compensation request and the second compensation request as a function of the first deviation and of the second deviation.