Steering Control Device Torque Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering devices that apply assist or reaction torque to steering members often cause discomfort to drivers due to inadequate torque management.
Innovation Solution
A control device that calculates and corrects the assist or reaction torque based on the steering torque, vehicle roll rate, steering angle, and steering angle speed to minimize driver discomfort, incorporating a control variable calculating section and a correcting section within the steering control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If assist torque is applied to the steering member, then steering effort is reduced, but driver discomfort increases due to torque loss and inadequate torque management
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses feedback from steering torque sensors, roll rate sensors, and steering angle sensors to continuously monitor steering conditions and dynamically adjust the assist torque. The control variable calculating section computes the appropriate assist torque based on real-time feedback, and the control variable correcting section refines this computation to prevent torque loss and driver discomfort, ensuring optimal steering assistance throughout the steering operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the assist torque based on varying steering conditions rather than applying a fixed assist level. The control variable correcting section modifies the assist torque in real-time according to steering angle, steering angle speed, and vehicle roll rate, making the steering system adaptive to different driving scenarios and preventing both torque loss and excessive assistance that could cause discomfort.
2Ease of operation
If assist torque is increased to improve steering ease, then steering comfort improves, but torque loss occurs leading to driver discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The control variable calculating section proactively computes the required assist torque before the steering action is completed, taking into account predicted steering conditions. The control variable correcting section then refines this preliminary computation to optimize torque delivery and prevent torque loss, ensuring that the assist torque is appropriately applied throughout the entire steering operation rather than being reactive.
3Device complexity
If simple torque control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but torque management becomes inadequate causing driver discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional sections: a control variable calculating section that computes the basic assist torque, and a control variable correcting section that refines this computation. This segmentation allows the system to manage complex torque control requirements through modular, specialized components rather than a single monolithic controller, making the complex control logic more manageable and effective.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention allows for application of an assist torque or reaction torque which causes a driver to feel less discomfort. An ECU (600) includes a control variable calculating section (611) configured to calculate a control variable for controlling a magnitude of the assist torque or reaction torque, with reference to a steering torque applied to a steering member (410); and a control variable correcting section (612) configured to correct the control variable calculated by the control variable calculating section, with reference to a roll rate of a vehicle body, a steering angle of the steering member, and a steering angle speed of the steering member.