Steering Control Device Thermal Management via Circuit Prioritization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering control devices face challenges in downsizing due to the need for increased thermal mass and radiation management for multiple actuators, leading to larger housing sizes and noise reduction element sizes.
Innovation Solution
A steering control device with a controller that operates multiple actuators within the same housing by prioritizing the order and output of first and second circuits, allowing efficient operation and heat/power distribution, thereby reducing thermal mass and radiation, and downsizing the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple actuators are accommodated in the same housing, then device integration is improved, but thermal mass and radiation increase leading to larger housing size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control device into multiple independent circuit boards, each housing a specific actuator circuit. This segmentation allows for modular thermal management and reduces the thermal mass concentration in any single region, enabling better heat dissipation while maintaining device integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of circuit boards within the housing, optimizing the placement to maximize heat dissipation surfaces and minimize thermal interference between actuators. This dimensional optimization allows efficient heat management without increasing overall housing volume.
2Temperature
If thermal mass is increased for heat management, then temperature control is improved, but housing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized thermal management by providing dedicated heat dissipation structures and thermal pathways for each actuator circuit. This local quality approach allows precise temperature control in each region without requiring excessive overall thermal mass, thereby avoiding housing size increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal intermediaries such as heat sinks and thermal conductive materials between actuators and housing walls to facilitate efficient heat transfer. These intermediaries enable effective temperature control while minimizing the thermal mass that would otherwise be required within the housing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If noise reduction elements are enlarged, then noise reduction is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges noise reduction functions with existing structural components of the housing and circuit boards. By integrating damping materials and acoustic isolation features into the structural elements rather than adding separate noise reduction components, effective noise control is achieved without increasing device size.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient operation of multiple actuators while minimizing heat and power concentration, resulting in a smaller housing size and improved noise reduction, effectively addressing the challenge of thermal management and size reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a first circuit (68) configured to energize a steering assist actuator (800)
Implementation Method 2
a second circuit (672, 673) configured to energize at least one positional actuator (720, 730)
Data Source
AI summary
A first circuit energizes a steering assist actuator to electrically assist steering of a driver. A second circuit is provided in a same housing as the first circuit and energizes a positional actuator to move a steering position. A controller operates the first and second circuits to control operations of the steering assist actuator and the positional actuator. The controller changes a priority between the first circuit and the second circuit in a start period, in which the steering control device is started, a normal operation period, in which the steering control device is operated normally, and a stop period, in which the steering control device is stopped. The priority includes at least one of an order of operating the first circuit and the second circuit, output allocation between the first circuit and the second circuit, and output magnitude between the first circuit and the second circuit.