Steering Device Controller for Coordinated Multi-Function Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steering system control devices cannot operate multiple driving assistance functions simultaneously in a coordinated manner, limiting their ability to manage complex driving scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A steering device with a motor and controller that receives multiple steering requests, selects functions to operate simultaneously, calculates and adjusts command values for the motor, and generates a final command value to enable coordinated operation of multiple driving assistance functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a steering system control device arbitrates and exclusively operates multiple driving assistance functions based on priority, then the system can select and start one function at a time, but the system cannot operate multiple driving assistance functions simultaneously in a coordinated manner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to operate multiple driving assistance functionsVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device segments the control of multiple driving assistance functions by calculating individual command values for each function (steering assistance function, steering feeling improving function, automatic driving function) and then integrating them through coordinate adjustment. This allows multiple functions to operate simultaneously while maintaining manageable control structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control device merges the command values from multiple driving assistance functions by calculating a final command value that integrates all individual command values. This combining approach enables simultaneous operation of multiple functions while coordinating their effects through the integrated control signal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If the steering system operates multiple driving assistance functions simultaneously, then the system can handle complex driving scenarios, but the control mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling of complex driving scenariosVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs preliminary calculations by calculating individual command values for each driving assistance function before integrating them. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare and coordinate multiple functions simultaneously, improving productivity while maintaining clear control logic through sequential calculation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device uses feedback mechanisms to adjust the final command value based on the combined effects of multiple driving assistance functions. This feedback approach enables the system to handle complex driving scenarios while coordinating function interactions, as the system continuously monitors and adjusts based on the overall system state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3932778B1Steering device
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 NSK LTD
  • EP3932778B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3932778B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3932778B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A steering device includes a motor that assists or performs steering, and a controller that controls the motor. The controller receives a steering request for a plirlity of assistance functions, selects a driving assistance function to be operated at the same time from the driving assistance functions for which the steering request was made, calculates a command value for the motor for each of the selected driving assistance function, adjusts the command value based on a combination of the selected driving assistance function, and calculates a final command value for the motor using the adjusted command value.