Steering Apparatus Dual Communication Circuit Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering apparatuses face challenges in continuing steering control when a failure occurs in the steering reaction force controller, as the vehicle steering device controller cannot acquire necessary sensor signals.
Innovation Solution
The proposed steering apparatus includes a first and second communication circuit between the steering input mechanism and the steering mechanism controller, allowing the steering mechanism controller to receive steering operation amount signals without intervention from specific microprocessors, thereby ensuring continuous steering control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the vehicle steering device controller receives sensor signals via the steering reaction force controller through a two-way communication line, then the system structure is simplified and cost is reduced, but when a failure occurs in the steering reaction force controller, the vehicle steering device controller cannot acquire the sensor signals and steering control cannot continue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication path into two independent channels: (1) the original path through the steering reaction force controller, and (2) a new direct path from sensors to the vehicle steering device controller. This segmentation allows the system to bypass the failed component by switching to the alternative communication path, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication path that directly connects the sensors (steering angle sensor, rack position sensor) to the vehicle steering device controller, bypassing the steering reaction force controller. This intermediary path serves as a backup mediator that ensures signal transmission even when the primary controller fails, maintaining steering control continuity.
2Reliability
If a backup communication path is added from sensors to the vehicle steering device controller, then steering control continuity is maintained during failures, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the communication circuits with multi-functionality: the first communication circuit normally handles all sensor signal transmission, while the second communication circuit serves as a backup that can take over when the first fails. This universal design allows a single system to perform both normal operation and failure recovery functions, balancing reliability improvement with acceptable complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-establishing the second communication path as a backup before any failure occurs. This prior preparation ensures that when a failure happens in the steering reaction force controller, the system can immediately switch to the pre-configured backup path without adding complexity during the critical failure moment, thus maintaining reliability while controlling overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering apparatus includes a first CAN communication line provided between a steering input mechanism and a steering mechanism controller and configured to output a first steering operation amount signal output from a first steering operation amount signal output portion to the steering mechanism controller, and a communication line provided between the steering input mechanism and the steering mechanism controller and configured to output a second steering operation amount signal to the steering mechanism controller without intervention of a first microprocessor.