Steering System Dynamic Flow Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering systems with assist devices experience delays in wheel steering when the operation speed of the steering operation member is high, and maintaining a high supply flow rate to prevent delays leads to excessive energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with a flow-rate adjusting mechanism that increases the supply flow rate of working fluid only when the operation speed of the steering operation member exceeds a set threshold speed, and decreases it when the speed is low, using an engine pump as the working-fluid supply source to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the supply flow rate of working fluid is always kept high to prevent steering delay, then the steering response speed is improved, but the energy consumption of the working-fluid supply source increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The supply flow rate of working fluid is dynamically adjusted based on the operation speed of the steering operation member. When the operation speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, the supply flow rate is increased to prevent steering delay. When the operation speed is below the threshold, the supply flow rate is decreased to reduce energy consumption. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining fast steering response and minimizing energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of supply flow rate according to the operation conditions. By monitoring the operation speed of the steering operation member and comparing it with a threshold value, the system switches between different supply flow rate levels, thereby optimizing both steering performance and energy efficiency under different operating conditions.
2Loss of energy
If the supply flow rate is decreased to reduce energy consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the steering delay occurs when operation speed is high
Solution Approach 1:
The supply flow rate is dynamically controlled based on real-time operation speed detection. The system transitions between low flow rate (for energy efficiency) and high flow rate (for preventing steering delay) modes according to whether the operation speed exceeds the predetermined threshold, thereby resolving the trade-off between energy efficiency and steering responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply flow rate parameter is changed based on operation conditions. When operation speed is low, a lower flow rate is used to improve energy efficiency. When operation speed exceeds the threshold, the flow rate parameter is increased to prevent steering delay, thus optimizing system performance across different operating scenarios.
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
This approach prevents steering delays while minimizing energy and fuel consumption by adjusting the flow rate based on operation speed, enhancing the utility and fuel economy of the steering system.
Implementation Method 1
a steering assist device including a working-fluid supply source for supplying a working fluid and configured to assist the movement of the steering member of the steering mechanism utilizing the working fluid supplied from the working-fluid supply source
Data Source
AI summary
A steering system installed on a vehicle, including: a steering mechanism including a steering member and configured to enable a wheel to be steered in accordance with a movement of the steering member; an operation assist device configured to apply a torque to a steering shaft for assisting an operation of a steering operation member; a steering assist device configured to assist the movement of the steering member utilizing a working fluid; and a controller configured to control a torque applied to the steering shaft by the operation assist device and control a supply flow rate of the working fluid, wherein the steering assist device assists the movement of the steering member with an assist force that depends on the supply flow rate, and the controller increases the supply flow rate when an operation speed of the steering operation member becomes equal to or higher than a set threshold speed.