Dual-Microprocessor Steering Actuator Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle-mounted device actuators face challenges in maintaining consistent output due to variations in sensor outputs, leading to potential safety issues in vehicle steering systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-sensor and dual-microprocessor system, where both sensors and microprocessors receive signals from each other to synchronize and control the actuation parts, ensuring consistent output and redundancy in case of sensor failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant sensors are provided for each actuation part, then reliability is improved, but output consistency deteriorates due to sensor variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor inputs by having both microprocessors receive signals from a common first sensor, ensuring that both actuation parts are controlled by the same sensor data. This eliminates output inconsistency caused by sensor variations while maintaining redundancy through the dual-microprocessor architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control system into two independent microprocessors, where the first microprocessor handles normal operation and the second microprocessor handles fail-safe operation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through redundancy while ensuring output consistency by having both microprocessors use the same first sensor input.
2Reliability
If redundant microprocessors are provided for fail-safe operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the second microprocessor universal by enabling it to perform both normal control functions and fail-safe functions. The second microprocessor can normally operate alongside the first microprocessor and switch to taking over control when a failure is detected, eliminating the need for completely separate redundant hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where microprocessors monitor each other's operation status and sensor inputs. When abnormalities are detected through feedback from sensors or the other microprocessor, the system automatically switches to the standby microprocessor, maintaining reliability without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If both microprocessors use the same first sensor input, then output consistency is improved, but sensor failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the second microprocessor as a standby unit that is pre-configured to receive inputs from both the first sensor and the second sensor. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a failure occurs in either the first sensor or the control system, the second microprocessor can immediately take over using the second sensor data, maintaining both output consistency and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A power steering device includes a steering mechanism structured to steer a steerable wheel in accordance with steering of a steering wheel. A first sensor is structured to sense a specific state quantity of steering. A second sensor is structured to sense the specific state quantity. A first actuation part is structured to apply a steering force to the steering mechanism. A second actuation part is structured to apply a steering force to the steering mechanism. A first microprocessor is configured to receive an output signal from the first sensor, and control driving of the first actuation part based on the output signal received from the first sensor. A second microprocessor is configured to receive an output signal from the first sensor and an output signal from the second sensor, and control driving of the second actuation part based on the output signal received from the first sensor.