Steering Device Active Return via Actuator Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electronic steering devices for motor vehicles face challenges in replicating the natural return behavior of non-assisted steering systems, as existing solutions require time-consuming compensation for various vehicle topology factors, such as transmission ratios and steering axle geometry, affecting the perceived torque and operational safety.
Innovation Solution
A steering device with an open- and closed-loop control unit that directly senses the position and velocity of the actuating element, allowing for the calculation of assist torque independently of vehicle topology, using data from sensors to generate a reference velocity and adjust assist torque based on vehicle speed and driver activity, ensuring safe and universal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the steering assist unit uses traditional sensors to detect steering angle and steering wheel angular velocity, then the return behavior can be actively provided, but the system requires time-consuming compensation for vehicle topology factors such as transmission ratios and steering axle geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection point from the steering shaft to the actuating element, eliminating the need to measure steering angle and angular velocity at the steering element. This extraction removes the dependency on vehicle topology parameters such as transmission ratios and steering axle geometry, thereby eliminating time-consuming compensation calculations while maintaining accurate return behavior control
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of detecting steering element parameters and calculating actuating element parameters through complex vehicle topology relationships, the patent inverts the approach by directly detecting actuating element parameters. This inversion simplifies the control system by eliminating the need for inverse calculations based on vehicle topology, reducing computational time while improving reliability
2Ease of operation
If the steering device is electronically assisted with transmission and electric motor, then steering comfort is improved, but the friction and mass inertia adversely influence the automatic return behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that directly monitors actuating element position, velocity, and acceleration. This feedback mechanism enables real-time compensation for friction and inertia effects generated by the electronic steering assist components, maintaining natural return behavior perception while preserving steering comfort enhancement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts control parameters including assist torque magnitude, damping coefficients, and return speed profiles based on real-time sensor data from the actuating element. These parameter changes compensate for the adverse effects of friction and mass inertia, enabling the system to maintain natural return behavior characteristics despite the presence of electronic assist components
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device for a motor vehicle is described, the steering device comprising a steering element for steering the motor vehicle, and an actuating element by means of which wheels of the motor vehicle are adjusted as a function of an actuation of the steering element. The steering element has a steering assist unit associated with it, in particular an electronic steering assist unit for active return of the steering element, the steering assist unit comprising a motor and an open- and closed-loop control unit which drives the motor for generating an assist torque. The open- and closed-loop control unit receives data from a first sensor which directly senses the position of the actuating element, and drives the motor as a function of the position of the actuating element. Further described is a method of controlling a steering device.