Electromechanical Steering Energy Feedback Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical steering systems face issues with generated electric currents causing damage to electronic components due to unsuitable on-board power supply systems, particularly in hybrid or electric vehicles, leading to dependency on the system's operation.
Innovation Solution
The system operates a first electric motor in motor or generator mode based on driving situations, converting generated currents energetically using a second electric motor, independent of the on-board power supply system design, through vector control and DC/DC converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the first electric motor operates in generator mode to generate electric currents, then energy can be recovered, but the generated currents can cause damage to electronic components due to unsuitable on-board power supply systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current converter as an intermediary device between the first electric motor (generator mode) and the on-board power supply system. This converter transforms the generated currents into a suitable form for the power supply system, preventing damage to electronic components while enabling energy recovery. The converter acts as a mediator that resolves the incompatibility between the motor-generated currents and the power supply system requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful generated currents into a beneficial energy recovery mechanism. By using the current converter to process these currents, the system transforms what would be damaging feedback into useful energy that can be stored or utilized by the on-board power supply system, turning a harmful factor into a benefit.
2Power
If a DC/DC converter is introduced in hybrid or electric vehicles to provide operating voltage via a drive battery, then the on-board power supply system voltage can be increased, but the DC/DC converter is not designed to receive or feed back generated currents, especially for reasons of cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the DC/DC converter multi-functional by enabling it to both provide operating voltage to the first electric motor and receive generated currents from the motor when it operates in generator mode. This universal design allows the same component to handle both power delivery and power recovery functions, eliminating the need for separate converters and reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of voltage provision and current reception into a single DC/DC converter unit. By combining these previously separate functions into one integrated component, the system reduces complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to handle both motor operation and energy recovery scenarios.
3Loss of energy
If conventional vehicle batteries are used to receive generated currents, then energy recovery is possible, but the system becomes dependent on the specific operation of the on-board power supply system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that adapts the operation of the first electric motor and the current converter based on the real-time state of the on-board power supply system. The control unit monitors system conditions and dynamically adjusts the motor's operating mode and the converter's parameters, enabling the system to recover energy across various power supply configurations without being locked into a specific operational mode.
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
Prevents damage to electronic components by converting generated currents, maintaining steering feel consistency, and ensuring system autonomy from power supply system design variations.
Implementation Method 1
a first electric motor (21) which can be operated in a motor mode or in a generator mode (GM_21) depending on the driving situation
Implementation Method 2
a second electric motor (31) ... in such a way that a current (i_G21) which is generated in a generator mode (GM 21) of the first electric motor (21) is converted energetically by the second electric motor (31)
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical steering system comprises a first actuator having a first electric motor and a first control unit, and a second actuator having a second electric motor and a second control unit, wherein the first electric motor can be operated in a motor mode or a generator mode depending on the driving situation, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are communicatively connected to one another, and the second control unit is designed, in a generator mode of the first electric motor, to actuate the second electric motor in such a way that a current that is generated in a generator mode of the first electric motor is converted energetically by the second electric motor, in particular by influencing a Id current for the second electric motor specified by vector control. A method for operating such a steering system in a motor vehicle comprises generating a current in a generator mode of the first electric motor and energetically converting the generated current by the second electric motor.