Steering Apparatus Backup System Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steer-by-wire vehicle steering systems lack assurance that the backup system will operate correctly in failed conditions, potentially leading to unsafe initiation of steer-by-wire control when the backup system is abnormal.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle steering apparatus includes a detection mechanism to ensure the backup system's operability by comparing torque values from the steering and steered side torque sensors, engaging the electromagnetic clutch when the power is off, and monitoring the backup mechanism's operation to prevent unsafe steer-by-wire control initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backup system is only activated during failed conditions, then the steer-by-wire control can operate normally, but the backup system's operability cannot be guaranteed when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of the backup mechanism by detecting torque values from both steering side and steered side torque sensors before a failure occurs. The backup operation monitoring means checks whether the backup mechanism is in an abnormal condition during normal steer-by-wire operation, enabling the system to detect potential backup system failures before they compromise safety.
2Ease of operation
If the clutch is engaged when power is deenergized, then manual steering is available, but the backup mechanism may not be properly monitored during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The backup operation monitoring means continuously monitors the backup mechanism's condition by comparing torque values detected from the steering side torque sensor and steered side torque sensor. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about the backup system's operability, allowing the control unit to determine whether the backup mechanism is in an abnormal condition and take appropriate actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle steering apparatus with improved safety securely detects whether or not a backup system is operable and comprises a steering shaft connected to the steering wheel; a reaction actuator connected to the steering shaft for adding a reaction force; a rack for steering a steered wheel; a steering actuator provided on the rack; a backup mechanism for connecting the steering shaft and the rack via a clutch, a first detection means or mechanism for detecting the condition of the steering shaft, a second detection means or mechanism for detecting the condition of the rack, and a backup operation monitoring means or mechanism for driving the steering actuator when the power source is energized, the backup operation monitoring means or mechanism selectively monitoring the operation of the backup mechanism based on the value detected by the first detection means or mechanism or the second detection means or mechanism or both.