Steering Control Device for Cargo Weight Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering control systems for vehicles do not effectively adjust assist torque based on the weight of loaded cargo, particularly in large commercial vehicles, leading to varying driver steering force due to significant weight differences before and after loading.
Innovation Solution
A steering control device and method that estimates the weight of cargo by using sensors to receive inclination angle, vehicle speed, steering angle, and hysteresis torque information, determining if the vehicle is on a flat surface, and shifting an assist map based on the estimated weight to adjust assist torque accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cargo is loaded in the host vehicle, then the vehicle carrying capacity is improved, but the driver's steering force varies significantly due to weight changes
Solution Approach 1:
The assist map is dynamically shifted based on the estimated cargo weight. The controller adjusts the assist torque characteristics in real-time according to the vehicle's loading condition, making the steering system adaptive to weight changes rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the assist torque parameters by shifting the assist map based on estimated cargo weight. This parameter adjustment compensates for the effect of cargo weight on steering force, maintaining consistent steering characteristics across different loading conditions
2Ease of operation
If the assist torque is increased to compensate for heavy cargo, then the steering ease is improved, but the steering precision may deteriorate due to excessive assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The controller precisely adjusts assist torque parameters by shifting the assist map based on estimated cargo weight. This targeted parameter change provides exactly the right amount of assistance needed without excessive torque, thereby maintaining both steering ease and precision
3Measurement precision
If a weight sensor is installed to accurately measure cargo weight, then the weight measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hysteresis torque sensor serves as an intermediary measurement tool. Instead of directly measuring cargo weight with a complex weight sensor, the system uses the existing hysteresis torque sensor to indirectly estimate weight by detecting the additional torque caused by cargo during steering operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the hysteresis torque sensor's own measurements during normal steering operations to estimate cargo weight. The sensor serves dual purposes: both steering control and weight estimation, eliminating the need for separate weight measurement devices
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a steering control device and method. Specifically, a steering control device according to the present disclosure may include a receiver configured to receive inclination angle information, vehicle speed information of a host vehicle, steering angle information of a steering wheel, steering angular velocity information of the steering wheel, and hysteresis torque information of the host vehicle from a plurality of sensors, a determiner configured to determine whether the host vehicle is located on a flat surface based on the inclination angle information, an estimator configured to estimate a loading weight based on a hysteresis torque value compared to a steering angular velocity value if determined that the host vehicle is located on the flat surface, and a controller configured to shift an assist map based on the estimated loading weight.