Power Steering Control Device Vibration Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power steering device control systems rely primarily on water detection methods for abnormality determination, which is not sufficient to enhance vehicle safety, and there is a need for alternative methods that can detect abnormalities based on the device's specific configuration and specifications.
Innovation Solution
A power steering device control device that includes a command signal calculation part, a vibration signal receiving part, and an abnormality determination part to detect abnormalities based on vibrations occurring in the power steering device, using an acceleration sensor to sense dynamic vibrations and determine if the device is in an abnormal state by analyzing specific frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If water detection method is used for abnormality determination, then the detection method is simple, but the abnormality detection accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration analysis by detecting vibration signals from the power steering device using a vibration detector. The system analyzes the frequency and amplitude of vibrations to determine abnormal states, such as when the steered wheel contacts the ground. This resolves the contradiction by providing high detection accuracy through vibration characteristics without requiring complex additional hardware beyond the vibration detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional water detection method with a vibration-based detection system. Instead of detecting water presence to infer abnormality, the system directly detects mechanical vibrations caused by abnormal conditions. This substitution maintains relative simplicity while dramatically improving detection accuracy by directly measuring the physical phenomenon associated with abnormalities.
2Reliability
If vibration analysis is used to detect abnormalities, then the abnormality detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating the vibration detector into the existing control device structure. The vibration detector serves dual purposes: monitoring abnormal conditions and providing data for control decisions. This approach improves reliability through comprehensive vibration analysis while avoiding additional dedicated hardware, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the vibration detection function with the existing control device architecture. The vibration detector is integrated into the control device housing, and the abnormality determination unit is combined with the command signal calculation unit. This consolidation improves reliability by enabling comprehensive monitoring while preventing device complexity from increasing proportionally, as shared hardware and processing resources are utilized.
3Measurement precision
If vibration signal is used for abnormality determination, then the detection capability is enhanced, but the false positive rate from road vibrations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by analyzing specific frequency characteristics of vibration signals. The abnormality determination unit evaluates vibrations at particular frequency ranges that are characteristic of abnormal conditions (such as wheel-ground contact) rather than general road vibrations. This selective frequency analysis enhances detection precision while filtering out harmful road vibration interference that occurs at different frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic analysis by continuously monitoring vibration signals and comparing them against threshold values that account for varying operating conditions. The system adapts its detection criteria based on real-time vibration patterns, steering conditions, and road characteristics. This dynamic approach enhances detection precision by distinguishing true abnormalities from normal road vibrations that vary with driving conditions.
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 allows for accurate detection of power steering device abnormalities, reducing the risk of malfunction and enhancing vehicle safety by utilizing vibration analysis to differentiate between normal and abnormal states, thereby improving reliability and reducing false positives from road vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration sensor, and configured to sense at least a component of vibration in a direction of travel of the rack shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a control device (14) for a power steering device including a steering mechanism (1) configured to transmit rotation of a steering wheel to a steered wheel, and an electric motor (13) configured to apply a steering force to the steering mechanism. The control device includes: a command signal calculation part (61) configured to calculate a motor command signal (Io) for control of driving of the electric motor, based on a state of steering of the steering wheel, and output the command signal to the electric motor; a vibration signal receiving part (69) configured to receive a vibration signal of the power steering device; and an abnormality determination part (63) configured to determine whether or not the power steering device is abnormal, based on a Y-axis acceleration signal (Gy) received by the vibration signal reception part.