Smart Electronic Power Steering System for Retrofitted Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic power steering systems are not commonly adaptable across different vehicle platforms, requiring unique component specifications for varying flow and pressure requirements, leading to inefficiencies and the need for custom system development for each platform.
Innovation Solution
A smart electronic power steering system that automatically determines and configures flow rate and maximum pressure settings, using a modular design with a proportional relief valve and motor controller, allowing the same system to be used across multiple platforms by abstracting the interface to flow and pressure commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic power steering systems are customized for each vehicle platform to meet specific flow and pressure requirements, then system performance and reliability are improved, but device complexity and development time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power steering system architecture that can serve multiple vehicle platforms with different flow and pressure requirements through a common controller that dynamically adjusts system parameters. The controller receives flow and pressure commands and coordinates the pump motor and relief valve to meet varying demands across different vehicle applications, eliminating the need for platform-specific customizations while maintaining optimal performance.
2Measurement precision
If a flow control valve is implemented to meet nominal flow requirements when pump speed is above proper speed, then flow control accuracy is improved, but energy loss increases due to bypassed flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where the controller continuously monitors actual flow and pressure conditions and dynamically adjusts the pump motor speed and relief valve positioning to match commanded values. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for passive flow bypassing while maintaining accurate flow control, as the system adjusts active parameters to meet requirements without wasting energy through unnecessary bypass flow.
3Device complexity
If hardware relief valve settings are used for pressure relief, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different pressure requirements across platforms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-position relief valve into a dynamically controllable component through electronic actuation. The relief valve position is continuously adjusted by the controller based on real-time pressure feedback and commanded pressure values, enabling the same hardware component to adapt to different pressure requirements across multiple vehicle platforms without requiring mechanical reconfiguration or multiple fixed-setting valves.
4Manufacturing precision
If custom system development is performed for each vehicle platform, then specific requirements are met precisely, but productivity and development efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the power steering system into modular functional components: a common controller that handles intelligence and decision-making, a pump motor that provides hydraulic power, a relief valve for pressure control, and sensors for feedback. This segmentation allows the intelligent controller to be standardized across platforms while adapting to different requirements through software configuration rather than hardware redesign, significantly improving development efficiency without sacrificing requirements compliance.
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
Enables a 'one-size-fits-all' solution for vehicles with varying requirements, reducing inefficiencies and the need for manual configuration, while maintaining power steering functionality even when the traction system is inactive.
Implementation Method 1
A smart electronic power steering system includes an electric motor, a pump controlled by the motor, a proportional relief valve and a motor controller. The processor sets the motor speed and the proportional relief valve based on a flow request and a maximum pressure setting
Implementation Method 2
A smart electronic power steering system includes an electric motor, a pump controlled by the motor, a proportional relief valve and a motor controller
Data Source
AI summary
A smart electronic power steering system and method for a retrofitted electric vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, an electronic power steering system comprises a relief valve; a pump in communication with the relief valve; a motor configured to operate the pump; a motor controller configured to control the motor; and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a desired maximum pressure value from a retrofitted electric vehicle and configure the relief valve or motor controller to provide relief at the desired maximum pressure value; and receive a desired flow rate from the retrofitted electric vehicle and configure the motor controller to operate the motor at a speed to achieve the desired flow rate. Other embodiments are provided.