Steer-By-Wire Redundancy Using Backup Steering Control Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steer-by-wire vehicle steering systems face safety challenges due to electronic component failures, which can lead to steering control malfunctions during vehicle operation, necessitating a reliable redundancy solution to ensure driving safety and stability.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering system comprising a primary control unit and secondary control units such as electronic stability program, rear-wheel steering, and torque vectoring systems, which can activate to assist in steering control when the primary unit fails, providing redundancy and enhancing stability and comfort, especially in autonomous and assisted driving systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a steer-by-wire system is used to eliminate mechanical connection, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to electronic component failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring backup control units and establishing failure detection mechanisms before actual steering failures occur. The system proactively monitors the operational state of the first control unit and prepares secondary control units to take over, ensuring continuous steering control capability without mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by creating a redundant control architecture where backup control units are ready to compensate for potential failures. This cushioning mechanism ensures that even if electronic components fail, the steering system maintains control through alternative electronic pathways, preventing complete system failure.
2Reliability
If backup control units are added to provide redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing backup control units that can serve multiple functions: they can assist the primary control unit during normal operation and take over completely when failures occur. The second control units are configured to participate in steering control under normal conditions and activate as backup when the first control unit fails, maximizing the utility of additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of primary and secondary control units into a unified steering control system. The control units work together through coordinated control strategies, where the second control units supplement the first control unit's operations and can seamlessly take over when needed, reducing the perceived complexity through integrated operation.
3Ease of operation
If electronic stability program system applies braking force to wheels, then steering control capability is improved, but loss of energy increases due to braking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using braking force selectively and proportionally to achieve steering control objectives. The electronic stability program system applies braking force to specific wheels based on the magnitude and direction of steering corrections needed, rather than continuous or excessive braking, thereby achieving adequate steering control while minimizing energy loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicles, particularly to a vehicle steering system (1), comprising: a first control unit (11) configured to perform the steering function of the vehicle; a status detection unit (12) configured to detect the operational state of the first control unit (11); and at least one second control unit (13) configured to participate in the control of the steering function of the vehicle in the event that an abnormal operational state of the first control unit (11) is detected. The present disclosure also relates to a method and a computer program product for controlling vehicle steering. According to the present disclosure, not only can redundancy for the steering system be provided to high-level autonomous driving systems and/or assisted driving system, especially achieving redundant design for steer-by-wire systems and ensuring safety when the vehicle is in motion, but it can also effectively enhance the stability and comfort of vehicle steering.