Steering System Impact Detection via Multidimensional Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems face difficulties in reliably detecting external impacts, as the measured values during such events are often similar to those of normal driver-initiated steering maneuvers, making it hard to differentiate between the two and potentially leading to undetected mechanical stress and damage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the continuous measurement of motor signals and driver steering signals, forming tuples of characteristics, and comparing them to a predetermined normal operating range in a multidimensional characteristic diagram to identify external impacts, with alarm signals triggered when values exceed this range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If individual characteristic quantities are measured separately, then the measurement simplicity is maintained, but the ability to differentiate between external impacts and normal steering maneuvers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring individual characteristic quantities in one dimension to measuring multiple characteristic quantities (steering torque, motor current, motor position) simultaneously in multiple dimensions. This multidimensional approach creates a characteristic space where normal steering maneuvers and external impacts occupy different regions, enabling reliable differentiation without increasing measurement complexity
2Reliability
If the steering system is overdimensioned to maintain safety, then the reliability is improved, but the weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection and evaluation of characteristic quantities continuously during normal operation. By establishing normal operating ranges in advance and monitoring for deviations, the system can detect external impacts before they cause damage, allowing the steering system to operate at optimal dimensions without excessive weight while maintaining safety through proactive monitoring
3Measurement precision
If multiple characteristic quantities are measured and evaluated continuously, then the external impact detection capability is improved, but the computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation device automatically processes the measured characteristic quantities by comparing them against pre-stored normal operating ranges. The system performs self-diagnosis by continuously monitoring whether the current characteristic values fall within the expected ranges, eliminating the need for complex external analysis and reducing computational burden through automated internal evaluation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of detecting external impacts in vehicle steering systems (12) which include a rotatable steering shaft (16) and a servomotor (22) for generating a steering assist torque, the method including the steps of: (a) continuously measuring a first characteristic; (b) continuously measuring a second characteristic; (c) forming tuples of characteristics at least from a measured value of the first characteristic and a simultaneously picked up measured value of the second characteristic; (d) comparing the tuples of characteristics of step (c) with a predetermined normal operating range (36) of a multidimensional characteristic diagram (34) which is defined at least by the first characteristic and the second characteristic; and (e) storing a tuple of characteristics of step (c) and/or triggering an alarm signal if this tuple of characteristics from step (c) is outside the normal operating range (36).