Vehicle Steering Control Using Engine Speed Backup Signals

The patent introduces an intermediary substitution mechanism where engine speed and throttle valve opening serve as alternative parameters to ground speed for determining power steering assist level. When ground speed data is faulty or unavailable, the controller switches to using engine speed (directly measurable) and throttle opening (indicating driver intent) as intermediary variables to maintain steering assist functionality, thus resolving the reliability issue while preserving steering control accuracy through alternative measurement paths.

The patent implements parameter changes by switching the basis for determining power steering assist level between different parameters: normally using ground speed feedback, but changing to engine speed and throttle valve opening when ground speed is unavailable. This parameter substitution ensures continuous reliable operation of the power steering system under varying data availability conditions, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and system reliability.

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors steering performance and detects deviations from expected behavior. By using real-time data from engine speed, throttle position, and steering torque sensors, the system provides feedback to detect calibration drift and steering offset bias, enabling dynamic adjustment to maintain steering accuracy without requiring repeated manual calibration procedures that themselves cause drift over time.

The patent enables self-service through automatic compensation features where the power steering system detects and corrects its own calibration drift and offset bias without external intervention. The controller uses sensor data to identify steering inaccuracies and automatically adjusts assist levels to compensate, allowing the system to maintain steering accuracy autonomously and preventing the accumulation of calibration errors that would otherwise require manual recalibration.

The patent applies universality by designing a control system that performs multiple functions: it controls power steering assist level, monitors engine performance, manages throttle control, and provides stability control all through a single integrated controller. This multi-functional approach improves vehicle stability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same hardware and software platform handles diverse control tasks, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.

The patent merges previously separate control functions (power steering control, engine management, and stability control) into a unified control architecture. By combining these functions into a single integrated system that shares sensors, processors, and control algorithms, the patent achieves improved vehicle stability while minimizing the increase in device complexity through consolidation rather than addition of separate systems.