Steering Control Apparatus Dynamic Impedance Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering control apparatuses fail to provide a finely adjusted steering feel corresponding to the driver's operation, especially in various steering states, as they rely solely on road surface conditions or vehicle speed, lacking the ability to differentiate between steering wheel rotation, return, and retention.
Innovation Solution
A steering control apparatus that generates an assist torque based on a steering quantity, adjusting mechanical impedance to provide a tailored steering feel by using a steering quantity generation unit, adjustment torque generation unit, and command value generation unit, which distinguishes between steering states like rotation, return, and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first control is exercised to drive the steering assist motor on the basis of a detected steering torque, then the steering control apparatus can provide assistance based on road surface conditions, but it fails to provide a finely adjusted steering feel corresponding to the steering operation performed by the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic switching between two control modes (first control and second control) based on detected steering torque thresholds. The system transitions from a road-surface-condition-based control mode to a driver-operation-responsive control mode, enabling the steering feel to be dynamically adjusted according to the driver's steering operations while maintaining reliability in normal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from steering torque alone to a combination of steering torque and steering angle. By detecting both parameters and comparing steering torque against threshold values, the system achieves fine adjustment of steering feel corresponding to different steering operations while maintaining stable assistance based on road conditions
2Ease of operation
If the second control is exercised to drive the steering assist motor on the basis of the difference between the detected steering torque and a target steering torque, then the steering control apparatus can provide a predetermined steering torque, but it fails to provide a finely adjusted steering feel corresponding to various steering states such as rotating, returning, or holding the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steering operation into distinct states (rotating, returning, holding) by detecting steering torque thresholds and steering angle changes. Each state is handled by appropriate control modes, enabling the system to provide differentiated steering feel for each steering state while maintaining predetermined torque characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously detects steering torque and steering angle, compares detected values against threshold values, and adjusts control mode accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to recognize various steering states and provide appropriate steering feel adjustments, enhancing adaptability while maintaining operational ease
Data Source
AI summary
A steering control apparatus controls includes a steering quantity generation unit generating a steering quantity indicative of an operation performed on the steering member, an adjustment torque generation unit generating an adjustment torque and adjusting a mechanical impedance corresponding to the adjustment torque, and a command value generation unit generating a command value and controlling the motor according to the command value using the adjustment torque generated by the adjustment torque generation unit. The steering quantity is a physical quantity that has different values at least in a state of rotating the steering member, a state of returning the steering member, or a state of retaining the steering member, and the steering quantity indicates an operation amount of rotating the steering member or an operation amount of returning the steering member.