Vehicle Steering Electromagnet Clutch Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems using electromagnet clutches face challenges in effectively supplying current, leading to magnetization of clutch plates, which prevents operation when plates are coupled, limiting the system's ability to deliver torque to both power delivery and variable steering sections efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A system with a motor driving section, power delivery section, and variable steering section, utilizing a first converting section with a motor clutch and a second converting section with a variable steering clutch, where the control portion selectively delivers torque using electromagnets and controls current supply direction to prevent magnetization, allowing for efficient operation of both sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If current is supplied to the electromagnet of the clutch, then the clutch can be operated to deliver torque, but the clutch plate can be magnetized and coupled to other plate, preventing clutch operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse polarity current supply to demagnetize the clutch plate after torque delivery. When the clutch is activated, current flows in one direction to create magnetic force for engagement. When deactivated, current flows in the opposite direction to eliminate residual magnetism, preventing the clutch plate from sticking to other plates and ensuring reliable subsequent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (current direction) of the electromagnet based on the operational state. By switching between forward current (for engagement) and reverse current (for demagnetization), the system dynamically adjusts the magnetic field parameters to achieve both torque delivery and prevention of plate magnetization, resolving the contradiction between power transmission and operational reliability.
2Device complexity
If one motor is used to operate motor driven power steering system, tilting device and telescopic device, then device complexity is reduced, but current supply control becomes critical to prevent magnetization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic current supply with alternating polarity to the shared electromagnet. The control unit supplies current in forward direction during engagement phase, then switches to reverse direction during disengagement phase to demagnetize the clutch plate. This periodic bidirectional current supply enables reliable operation of multiple devices sharing one motor while preventing magnetization issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the operational state of the clutch and automatically adjusts current direction based on engagement requirements. When clutch engagement is detected or required, forward current is supplied; when disengagement occurs or is needed, reverse current is supplied to eliminate residual magnetism. This feedback-based control ensures reliable operation despite the shared motor configuration.
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
Enables effective torque delivery to both power delivery and variable steering sections, preventing clutch plate magnetization and ensuring smooth operation of the steering system, enhancing maneuvering force assistance and control of steering column angle and length.
Implementation Method 1
a clutch using a first electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
a plate which of the clutch is operated by magnetic force of the electromagnet can be magnetized
Data Source
AI summary
A system of controlling a steering apparatus of a vehicle that has a motor driving section provided with a motor and a motor shaft, a power delivery section delivering a torque of the motor for assisting maneuvering force to a steering column, and a variable steering section controlling an angle and a length of the steering column by the torque of the motor, may include a first converting section selectively delivering the torque to one of the power delivery section and the variable steering section by using a motor clutch, a connecting section selectively connected to the first converting section and delivering the torque to the variable steering section, and a control portion controlling operations of the motor, and the motor clutch, wherein the motor clutch is a clutch using a first electromagnet, and wherein the control portion controls supply of current to the first electromagnet of the motor clutch.