Vehicle Steering Control Actuator Torque Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering control systems experience an unnatural feeling of decreased steering reaction at the start of a steering operation due to actuator torque being produced in the opposite direction, leading to undesired letdown of steering response.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering control apparatus and method that includes an actuator to vary the steering gear ratio and a controller to produce actuator torque in the same direction as the steering direction at the start of a driver's operation, preventing torque opposition and enhancing steering reaction feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator rotates in the opposite direction to vary the steering gear ratio to a slow side, then the steering gear ratio is adjusted successfully, but the actuator produces torque in the opposite direction causing unnatural feeling of decreased steering reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The control device detects when the actuator rotates in the opposite direction (angle decreasing operation) and proactively applies a preliminary counteracting torque in the steering direction to prevent the unnatural decrease in steering reaction. This anticipatory action eliminates the adverse effect before it manifests to the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device dynamically adjusts the actuator torque parameter based on the rotation direction. When opposite-direction rotation is detected, the torque parameter is modified to include a component in the steering direction, transforming the torque characteristic to maintain natural steering feedback while preserving the gear ratio adjustment function.
2Productivity
If the actuator produces torque in the opposite direction at the start of steering operation, then the gear ratio variation is achieved, but the steering reaction decreases creating an unnatural feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The control device detects the start of opposite-direction actuator rotation and immediately applies a counteracting torque in the steering direction to prevent the reliability issue of inconsistent steering reaction. This ensures natural steering feedback is maintained throughout the gear ratio variation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device ensures continuous natural steering reaction by applying corrective torque throughout the entire opposite-direction rotation process. This maintains the continuity of useful steering action, preventing any interruption or unnatural feeling during the gear ratio transition.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle steering control apparatus includes an actuator to vary a steering gear ratio of a vehicle wheel steer angle of a steerable wheel to a steering wheel angle. A controller controls the actuator to produce an actuator torque in a steering direction at a start of a driver's steering operation.