Steering Assist Device Redundancy via Sensor Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle steering systems lack redundancy and reliability, particularly in ensuring the normal operation of position sensing values for steering mechanisms and motors, which can lead to instability and inefficiency in steering control.
Innovation Solution
A steering assist device and method that includes an input-side and output-side steering control module, where the output-side module checks and verifies the normalcy of position sensing values from sensors for both the steering mechanism and motor, and controls the steering motor based on validated values to enhance redundancy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the steering system uses a single position sensing mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and redundancy functionality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different sensing approaches at different locations in the steering system. The input-side mechanism uses one position sensing method while the output-side mechanism uses another independent sensing method. This localized differentiation allows the system to achieve redundancy and improved reliability without requiring complete duplication of the entire sensing system, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If the system implements comprehensive sensor validation, then the reliability improves, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing validation checks on position sensing values before they are used for steering control decisions. The system validates whether sensing values are within normal ranges and compares them against expected operational parameters in advance. This preliminary validation ensures reliability while keeping processing time minimal by filtering out invalid data before it reaches the control decision stage, preventing unnecessary processing delays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering system uses mechanically connected mechanisms, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the redundancy functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the steering system into distinct input-side and output-side mechanisms that can be manufactured and tested independently. The input-side mechanism (connected to the steering wheel) and the output-side mechanism (connected to the wheels) are separated with independent position sensing systems. This segmentation enables redundancy functionality while maintaining ease of manufacture, as each segment can be produced using standard manufacturing processes and assembled together with well-defined interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a steering assist device and method, and a steering system. The steering assist device comprises an input-side steering control module controlling an input-side steering actuator to assist an input-side mechanism connected with a steering wheel and an output-side steering control module controlling an output-side steering actuator to assist an output-side mechanism mechanically separated from the input-side mechanism and connected with a wheel. The output-side steering control module may control an output-side steering motor based on a position sensing value of the output-side mechanism and a position sensing value of an output-side steering motor included in the output-side steering actuator, which are received from their respective sensors.