Steer-by-Wire Steering With Independent Actuator Setpoints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems for vehicles lack the ability to independently adjust the setpoints for operating and steering gear actuators, leading to suboptimal interaction between driver inputs and vehicle functions, particularly in steer-by-wire systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine setpoints for operating and steering gear actuators independently, using request values to adjust the actuators based on target values for the behavior of the operating and steering gear actuators, allowing for separate influence and specification of these actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the setpoint for the operating element actuator is determined independently of the setpoint for the steering gear actuator, then the adaptability of the steering system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent control loops: one for the operating element actuator and another for the steering gear actuator. Each loop has its own setpoint determination and control logic, allowing independent adjustment of parameters such as damping characteristics, steering feel, and automation levels without interfering with the other actuator's operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operating modes (e.g., manual steering, automated steering, semi-autonomous modes) by independently adjusting the setpoints of the two actuators. This allows the steering system to adapt to varying driving conditions and driver preferences while maintaining a unified physical steering mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the operating element actuator and steering gear actuator are influenced by request values independently of one another, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the states of both actuators and the actual steering behavior. This feedback loop ensures that independent control of the two actuators does not lead to loss of information, as the control unit constantly adjusts the setpoints based on actual system state, driver inputs, and automation level to maintain coherent steering operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions by independently managing both actuators while maintaining overall system coherence. It handles manual steering control, automated steering control, mode switching, and coordination between the two actuators, thereby preventing information loss through a unified control architecture that understands the relationships between all system components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the setpoint for the operating element actuator is determined depending on target value for behavior of operating element and first request value, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts control parameters such as damping coefficients, stiffness characteristics, and response delays independently for each actuator based on the desired operating mode. This allows the steering system to provide different steering feelings and interaction characteristics without changing the physical hardware, thereby improving adaptability while keeping the hardware architecture relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for influencing and/or operating a steering system, in particular a steer-by-wire steering system. In the method, a setpoint for an operating element actuator is determined independently of a setpoint for a steering gear actuator, and the operating element actuator is actuated depending on the setpoint for the operating element actuator. The setpoint for the steering gear actuator of the steering system is determined independently of the setpoint for the operating element actuator, and the steering gear actuator is actuated depending on the setpoint for the steering gear actuator. The setpoint for the operating element actuator is determined depending on a target value for a behavior of an operating element and depending on a first request value. The setpoint for the steering gear actuator is determined depending on a target value for a behavior of the steering gear actuator and depending on a second request value.