Steering Gear Friction Detection Through Motor Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic power steering systems experience friction issues due to wear, weakened fastening, rust, or other factors, leading to uncomfortable steering sensations for drivers.
Innovation Solution
A steering control device and method that includes a receiver and controller to calculate friction in a compliance zone, determining the state of the steering gear based on motor torque, and providing notification messages to the driver about the gear's condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle mileage increases, then the steering gear experiences wear and friction increase, but the driver feels uncomfortable steering
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of friction changes in the steering gear by monitoring motor torque during compliance zone operation. By detecting friction changes before they cause significant discomfort, the system can early warning drivers about potential issues, allowing for preventive maintenance before steering comfort deteriorates severely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors motor torque and calculates friction levels, providing real-time feedback about the steering gear's condition. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect friction changes and notify drivers, creating a closed-loop system that improves both reliability monitoring and operational comfort.
2Measurement precision
If the steering gear is monitored continuously to detect friction changes, then the state can be determined accurately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing motor torque sensor for multiple purposes: both for normal steering control and for friction detection. By utilizing the torque sensor's data during compliance zone operation, the system achieves friction measurement without adding separate sensing hardware, thus maintaining measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by analyzing its own operational parameters (motor torque) to detect friction changes. The steering control device monitors itself during compliance zone operation, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate friction detection.
3Measurement precision
If the compliance zone is used to calculate friction, then only steering gear friction can be quantified, but the operation time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs friction calculation during compliance zone operation, which is a predetermined time window when the steering gear is isolated from external loads. By conducting measurements during this pre-planned interval rather than continuously interrupting normal operation, the system achieves accurate friction quantification with minimal time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering control device comprises a receiver receiving a motor torque from a motor torque sensor provided in a host vehicle and a controller enabling a steering gear to be driven in a compliance zone, calculating a friction of the steering gear based on the motor torque received by the driving of the steering gear, determining a state of the steering gear based on the calculated friction, and outputting, to a driver, a notification message for the state of the steering gear.