Dual Steering Control Modules with Temperature-Based Role Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-assisted steering systems in vehicles lack redundancy and reliability, particularly in electric power steering systems, where a single ECU's failure can disrupt steering control, leading to reduced vehicle performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A steering control apparatus comprising a first and second steering control module, each equipped with temperature sensors, that communicate and transition roles based on internal temperature data to ensure continuous and stable control of the steering motor, enhancing redundancy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single ECU is used for controlling the steering system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because there is no redundancy to handle failures
Solution Approach 1:
The steering control system is divided into multiple independent control modules (first control module and second control module), each capable of independently controlling the steering motor. This segmentation provides redundancy so that if one module fails, the other can take over, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational state of control modules based on temperature parameters. When the temperature of a control module exceeds a threshold, the system switches control to the other module, using parameter-based decision making to maintain reliability while managing thermal conditions.
2Reliability
If a redundant system with multiple ECUs is implemented, then the reliability is improved through failover capability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control modules are merged into a coordinated system where they share common functionality and communicate through standardized protocols. The modules work together as a unified redundant system, improving reliability while avoiding the complexity of fully independent systems through integration and collaboration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control module is designed with universal functionality to perform all steering control tasks. Both the first and second control modules can independently execute the same control algorithms and communicate with the same sensors and actuators, allowing either module to take over without requiring specialized configurations.
3Productivity
If one control module continuously operates, then the productivity is maintained, but the temperature increases leading to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic switching between control modules based on temperature monitoring. When one module's temperature exceeds a threshold, control switches to the other module, allowing the first module to cool down. This periodic action maintains continuous productivity while managing thermal accumulation through controlled alternation.
Solution Approach 2:
The redundant control module system ensures continuous useful action by maintaining standby capability. While one module operates, the other remains ready to take over, ensuring that steering control continuity is maintained without interruption even as modules alternate to manage temperature.
4Reliability
If temperature monitoring and switching between modules is implemented, then the reliability is improved by preventing overheating, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through temperature sensors that continuously monitor the thermal state of control modules. This feedback information is used to dynamically switch control between modules, creating a closed-loop thermal management system that improves reliability by preventing overheating while using simple on/off switching logic rather than complex control algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a steering control apparatus and method. The steering control apparatus includes a first steering control module and a second steering control module. The first and second steering control modules respectively include first and second temperature sensors detecting respective internal temperatures of the first and second steering control modules. The first steering control module can transmit information on a first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor to the second steering control module, and the second steering control module can receive the information on the first temperature and transmit information on a second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. The first and second steering control modules can transition according to the information on the first and second temperatures, and the first steering control module or the second steering control module can control a steering motor.