Electric Power Steering Cross-Powering for ECU Failure Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power steering devices with redundant structures using two independent power supplies and electronic control units face reliability and stability issues due to output loss when one power supply fails, leading to incomplete steering operations.
Innovation Solution
An electric power steering device with two independent electronic control units that share information by receiving power from each other's inverter in case of power supply failure, utilizing an auxiliary power generator to supply auxiliary voltage to the interrupted unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two independent power supplies and electronic control units are used for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two independent power supply systems by enabling cross-powering capability where each inverter can supply power to both ECUs. This combining approach maintains the redundancy benefit while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for completely separate power paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Each inverter is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: powering its own ECU and providing auxiliary power to the other ECU when needed. This universal design reduces the need for dedicated components for each power path.
2Ease of operation
If one power supply fails and only one actuator operates, then the system continues to function, but stability and reliability decrease due to output loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary power generation function where the operating inverter acts as an intermediary to supply power to the failed ECU. This mediator approach ensures that both ECUs remain operational even when one power supply fails, maintaining full steering capability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for power supply failure by establishing cross-powering capability in advance. When a power supply failure occurs, the auxiliary power path is already in place to immediately compensate, cushioning against the potential loss of steering capability and maintaining system stability.
3Reliability
If information sharing between ECUs is maintained during power failure, then reliability is improved, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service power management where each ECU monitors its own power status and automatically switches to auxiliary power from the other inverter when needed. This self-service approach maintains information sharing and reliability while minimizing the need for complex centralized power management control.
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
Ensures continuous steering operation by allowing two independent electronic control units to share information and power, enhancing reliability and stability even in the event of power supply interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
receive the second driving voltage generate a first auxiliary voltage, and supply the first auxiliary voltage to the first electronic control unit whose power supply is interrupted
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to an electric power steering device, and a steering control system and method. More particularly, there may provide an electric power steering device, and a steering control system and method capable of allowing two independent electronic control units to continuously share information by receiving power from the other power supply in the event that power supply to one of the two independent electronic control units is interrupted or a failure occurs in the power supply connected to one of the two independent electronic control units.