Steering Clutch Torque Misalignment Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steer-by-wire systems face issues with the clutch remaining engaged after shifting back to steer-by-wire control, leading to steering wheel pull due to torque misalignment, which affects driver expectations and control.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering device with a selectively engageable clutch that includes a first and second rotary member and an engaging piece, allowing mechanical connection and disconnection between the steering wheel and turning mechanism, controlled by a steering controller to manage clutch engagement and disengagement based on steering angle and torque conditions, ensuring reliable release and preventing steering wheel pull.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clutch remains engaged after shifting back to steer-by-wire control, then mechanical connection is maintained, but steering wheel pull occurs due to torque misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary action by detecting the clutch engagement state before completing the transition to steer-by-wire control. When the clutch is detected to be engaged, the control device temporarily maintains EPS control mode and prevents full transition to steer-by-wire control, thereby avoiding steering wheel pull caused by torque misalignment. This preliminary detection and conditional transition resolves the contradiction by ensuring the clutch is properly disengaged before allowing steer-by-wire operation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the clutch is quickly disengaged during transition to steer-by-wire control, then steering wheel pull is prevented, but torque misalignment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control device employs feedback by continuously monitoring the clutch engagement state through detection means and adjusting the control mode accordingly. When clutch engagement is detected, the system feedback-loop maintains EPS control and prevents transition to steer-by-wire control. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures torque alignment is maintained while preventing steering wheel pull, resolving the contradiction between quick disengagement and torque stability.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical connection is maintained between steering wheel and turning mechanism, then direct control is possible, but steer-by-wire control reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic switching between two control modes: EPS control mode with mechanical connection via engaged clutch, and steer-by-wire control mode with disconnected clutch. The control device dynamically transitions between these modes based on detected clutch engagement state and steering conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain direct mechanical control when needed while ensuring steer-by-wire control reliability when the clutch is properly disengaged, resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and control reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle steering device and method for preventing steering wheel pull. A selectively engageable clutch is positioned between a steering wheel and a turning mechanism for turning at least one steered wheel. The clutch includes an engaging piece and has an engaged position where the steering wheel is mechanically connected to the turning mechanism and a disengaged position where the steering wheel is mechanically separated from the turning mechanism and steer-by-wire controls the at least one steered wheel. When the clutch is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position, clutch release control is performed that provides a rotational angle of deviation between a steering wheel shaft connected to the steering wheel and the turning mechanism, the rotational angle of deviation provided in the direction of disengagement.