Steering Rack Boot Damage Detection Using Rack Force Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Steer-By-Wire systems, the lack of mechanical connection between the steering rack gear and steering column leads to changes in steering feel for drivers, necessitating detection of wear and damage to maintain optimal performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A boots damage detection apparatus that compares rack forces at specific positions to determine damage by transmitting command currents to the rack and receiving corresponding forces from sensors, using a transmitter, receiver, and determiner to assess the condition of the boots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Steer-By-Wire system is implemented with mechanical separation between steering rack gear and steering column, then steering precision and control reliability are improved, but steering feel degradation and component wear detection difficulty occur
Solution Approach 1:
A boots damage detection apparatus is introduced as an intermediary system to detect component wear and damage in the mechanically-separated SbW system. The apparatus includes sensors that monitor the condition of boots and mechanical components, providing indirect measurement of wear and damage that would otherwise be difficult to detect due to the mechanical separation between steering components.
2Reliability
If mechanical connection between steering rack gear and steering column is eliminated, then steering system reliability is improved, but steering feel feedback to driver deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The boots damage detection apparatus provides feedback about the condition of steering components to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor component health and maintain optimal steering feel by detecting wear and damage early, compensating for the loss of natural mechanical feedback in the mechanically-separated SbW system.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If boots damage occurs in mechanically-separated SbW system, then component lifespan is reduced, but detection of damage is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The boots damage detection apparatus performs preliminary detection of component wear and damage before critical failure occurs. By continuously monitoring boot condition and mechanical component status, the system can identify early signs of deterioration and alert operators, enabling preventive maintenance that extends component lifespan and prevents catastrophic failures.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a boots damage detection apparatus and a method. More specifically, the boots damage detection apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a transmitter that transmits a command current for a movement to a first rack position or a second rack position; a receiver that receives a rack position to which a movement is performed in accordance with the command current and a rack force corresponding to the rack position from a plurality of sensors; and a determiner that determines damage/non-damage of boots based on a first rack force corresponding to the first rack position and a second rack force corresponding to the second rack position.