Steering Deadband Detection With Low-Wear Starting Drag Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining steering deadband and eliminating starting drag in vehicles are either inaccurate due to their manual nature or cause undue wear on tires when automated, making them unsuitable for regular use, especially in autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a steering control computer connected to a steering actuator and sensor, which automatically determines the steering deadband by measuring the movement of the steered wheels and eliminates starting drag by performing a controlled rotation of the steered wheels during the vehicle's start-up sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated methods are used to determine steering deadband, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but tire wear increases due to significant wheel rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the minimum necessary wheel rotation (less than 360 degrees) to detect steering deadband, rather than completing full circular movements. This partial rotation is sufficient to identify the deadband range while minimizing tire contact and wear, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and tire preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of steering deadband during vehicle start-up or idle periods before the vehicle is driven. By detecting and compensating for deadband in advance, the system eliminates the need for excessive wheel rotation during normal operation, thereby reducing tire wear while maintaining measurement precision.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual steering deadband testing is performed, then tire wear is minimized, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error and negligence
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting its own deadband characteristics through sensors and control algorithms. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual driver testing, ensuring consistent measurement precision without requiring additional tire wear for testing purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from steering angle sensors and actuator position data to automatically determine deadband ranges. The control computer continuously monitors steering inputs and wheel responses, using this feedback to identify deadband characteristics accurately without manual intervention, thereby maintaining precision while minimizing tire wear.
3Reliability
If significant wheel rotation is performed to eliminate starting drag, then brake performance is improved, but tire wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two functions into a single integrated process: steering deadband detection and starting drag elimination. By combining these operations, the system achieves both objectives using the same limited wheel rotation, thereby improving brake reliability without proportionally increasing tire wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering actuator and control system are designed to perform multiple functions: detecting steering deadband, eliminating starting drag, and preparing the vehicle for operation. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve brake reliability improvement through a single controlled rotation sequence rather than requiring separate extensive rotations for each purpose.
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
The method provides an accurate and automated way to determine steering deadband and eliminate starting drag without causing excessive tire wear, thereby enhancing vehicle performance, safety, and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method that utilize a steering control computer connected to a steering actuator and sensor, which automatically determines the steering deadband by measuring the movement of the steered wheels
Implementation Method 2
The starting drag usually persists only for a relatively short time, until the movements of the wheels and frictional heating of brake parts result in the brakes finally snapping back to their normal disengaged position
Data Source
AI summary
Method for determining steering deadband and eliminating starting drag in a vehicle, having at least one steered wheel mechanically connected to an actuator, includes, from a first initial position, wherein the actuator is in a middle position and is biased toward a second direction, the actuator is moved toward a first direction, the first direction being opposite to the second direction, until a movement of the steered wheel is detected in a first deadband detection position of the actuator. The actual position of the actuator in the first deadband detection position is stored as a first deadband value ΘDB1. After reaching the first deadband detection position, the actuator is moved further in the first direction by a predetermined ΘESD1 first starting drag elimination angle to cause a predetermined movement of the at least one steering wheel and further mechanical parts connected thereto arriving to a first starting drag elimination position.