Electric Power Steering Failover Control for Motor Output Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power steering systems fail to maintain total output when one of the control devices malfunctions, leading to a reduction in performance.
Innovation Solution
An electric power steering apparatus with a steering control device that includes a third control device capable of switching connections and disconnections between actuators and drive circuits, ensuring continuous operation even if one of the control devices fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a failure occurs in one of the control devices, then the system reliability is improved through redundancy, but the total output of electric motors is reduced when a control device fails
Solution Approach 1:
The third control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control the second actuator under normal conditions and take over control of the first actuator when the first control device fails. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain full power output while improving reliability through failover capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The third control device is pre-configured and positioned to take over control functions before any failure occurs. The switching mechanism is prepared in advance, allowing immediate takeover upon detection of control device failure, thus preventing any loss in total output power.
2Reliability
If a third control device is added to switch connections, then the reliability is improved through failover capability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third control device serves multiple purposes: it acts as a backup controller and can take over control of either the first or second actuator. This multi-functional design consolidates redundancy requirements into a single versatile component rather than requiring separate backup systems for each actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality of multiple control devices is merged into the third control device, which can assume the role of controlling different actuators as needed. This consolidation reduces the overall number of control devices required while maintaining failover capability.
3Power
If the third control device switches connection upon failure detection, then the total output is maintained, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching capability is built into the system in advance, with the third control device pre-positioned to take over control functions. The connection switching mechanism is prepared beforehand, enabling immediate takeover upon failure detection without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The third control device acts as an intermediary that can mediate control between the first and second actuators. It provides a centralized control point that simplifies the switching logic compared to direct peer-to-peer control mechanisms between multiple control devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention includes a first control device that is capable of controlling a first actuator of a steering device, a second control device that is capable of controlling a second actuator of the steering device, and a third control device that is capable of switching connection to, and disconnection from, at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator. When a failure occurs in the first control device, the first control device is disconnected from the first actuator, and the third control device is connected to the first actuator. When a failure occurs in the second control device, the second control device is disconnected from the second actuator, and the third control device is connected to the second actuator. In this way, even when a failure occurs in one of a plurality of control devices, reduction in total output of electric motors can be prevented.