Steering Wheel Angle Sensing Beyond Sensor Range Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle sensing technologies for steering wheels are limited in detecting rotation ranges beyond a maximum measurable range, leading to inaccuracies and uncertainties in determining actual rotation angles.
Innovation Solution
An angle sensing device that utilizes multiple angle sensors and a controller to determine the actual rotation angle of a steering wheel by comparing output signals with yaw rate data, employing algorithms like Vernier and angle folsmaller to adjust and validate the detected angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single angle sensor is used to measure steering wheel rotation, then the device structure is simple, but the maximum rotation range that can be measured is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into multiple segments by using multiple angle sensors (first angle sensor and second angle sensor) that each measure different rotation ranges. The first angle sensor measures a first rotation range while the second angle sensor measures a second rotation range, allowing the system to collectively cover a wider total rotation range than any single sensor could achieve alone.
2Measurement precision
If multiple angle sensors are used to expand rotation range detection, then the measurable rotation range increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement capabilities of multiple angle sensors by integrating their output signals through a controller. The controller combines the first rotation angle from the first angle sensor and the second rotation angle from the second angle sensor to determine a final rotation angle, thereby achieving extended rotation range detection while managing system complexity through unified signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives signals from multiple angle sensors and processes them according to predetermined algorithms. This intermediary component协调 (coordinates) the data from different sensors, resolving the complexity of multiple sensors by centralizing the integration logic in a single processing unit that applies Vernier algorithms and angle folding techniques.
3Measurement precision
If the maximum rotation range of angle sensors is used, then the measurement coverage is maximized, but accuracy is lost beyond this range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic range extension by using angle folding techniques where the controller determines whether the steering wheel rotation exceeds the maximum measurable range of individual sensors. When exceeded, the system dynamically adjusts the measurement by folding the angle data and combining it with yaw rate information, allowing accurate detection of rotations beyond the static measurement limits of single sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from yaw rate sensors to validate and correct angle sensor measurements. The controller compares the determined rotation angle with yaw rate data to verify accuracy, and when the rotation exceeds the angle sensor's maximum range, the yaw rate feedback enables the system to continue accurate measurement by providing alternative reference data for calculating the final rotation angle.
Data Source
AI summary
An angle sensing device may include one or more angle sensors, and a controller configured to determine a rotation angle of the steering wheel on the basis of an output signal from the one or more angle sensors in response to turning-on of the vehicle, and on the basis of a comparison of the determined rotation angle, a first reference angle, and a second reference angle smaller than the first reference angle, determine the determined rotation angle as a final rotation angle of the steering wheel or determine the final rotation angle on the basis of a yaw rate acquired through an output signal from a yaw rate sensor of the vehicle.