Steer-By-Wire Turning Control for In-Factory Mode Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle steering systems require manual intervention for setting work, which is inefficient and prone to confusion during the in-factory step before shipment, as they rely on driver-activated switches and lack automated processes for setting control information.
Innovation Solution
A turning system with a processor-controlled turning unit that operates in a setting mode during the in-factory step, allowing for automated setting of control information by performing specified operations, such as learning operations, and switching to a normal control mode post-shipment, reducing human error and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual setting work is performed using driver-activated switches, then the system can be operated, but work efficiency is low and worker confusion occurs during in-factory step
Solution Approach 1:
The turning unit automatically performs setting operations by executing predetermined operations stored in the processor, eliminating the need for manual intervention by workers. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the setting work during the in-factory step, thereby improving productivity and eliminating worker confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores predetermined operations in the processor before the setting work is needed. These predetermined operations are prepared in advance and automatically executed during the in-factory step, enabling efficient automated setting without requiring workers to manually configure each parameter.
2Reliability
If the power transmission path between steering unit and turning unit is cut off, then system safety is improved, but automated setting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A communication path is established between the processor and the turning unit, serving as an intermediary that allows automated transmission of control information even when the mechanical power transmission path is cut off. This communication intermediary enables the processor to send commands and receive feedback, simplifying the automated setting process while maintaining the safety benefit of the cut-off mechanical connection.
3Extent of automation
If setting work is performed only after shipment to market, then system simplicity is maintained, but in-factory automated setting cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The control information storage structure is made dynamic by adding a mode discrimination field that can take different values (first value for setting mode, second value for normal mode). This dynamic structure allows the system to automatically adapt to different operational phases (in-factory setting vs. post-shipment operation) without requiring fundamentally different hardware, thereby enabling automated in-factory setting while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A turning system applied to a vehicle steering system, includes a turning unit, one or more processors, and a memory. The vehicle steering system has a structure in which a power transmission path between the turning unit and the steering unit steered by a driver is cut off. The one or more processors are configured to execute a mode setting process of setting a control mode in which the turning unit is operated to a setting mode or a normal control mode. The setting mode is a mode that is settable in an in-factory step before the turning unit is shipped to market. The normal control mode is a mode that is settable after the in-factory step is gone through. The mode setting process includes exclusively setting the setting mode or the normal control mode.