Steering Motor Dual-Winding Vibration Control for Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibrations generated by a steering motor in electric power steering systems can negatively affect a driver's steering sense and vehicle stability, particularly when tangential-direction vibrations are transferred to the steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
A motor control apparatus and method that includes a receiver, determiner, and controller to generate vibrations with specific magnitudes and phases in a steering motor using a dual winding configuration, applying current to reduce vehicle vibrations and enhance haptic functions by generating vibrations in the radial direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a steering motor is driven to assist steering force, then steering assistance is provided to the driver, but vibrations are generated and transferred to the steering wheel affecting steering sense and vehicle stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful vibrations generated by the steering motor into beneficial haptic feedback signals. By intentionally generating controlled vibrations in the radial direction through dual winding configuration, the system transforms the unwanted vibrational energy into useful tactile information for the driver, such as alerting signals or directional guidance, while simultaneously using active vibration control to cancel unwanted tangential vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the motor windings into two independent sets (first winding and second winding) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows independent control of radial and tangential vibration components, enabling the system to generate desired radial vibrations for haptic feedback while simultaneously canceling unwanted tangential vibrations through active control, thus resolving the contradiction between providing steering assistance and eliminating harmful vibrations.
2Ease of operation
If vibrations are generated in the tangential direction to provide haptic feedback, then driver feedback is enhanced, but steering accuracy and vehicle stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the vibration generation from the problematic tangential direction to the radial direction, which is perpendicular to the steering motion. By generating vibrations in this alternative dimension (radial direction through dual winding configuration), the system provides effective haptic feedback to the driver without interfering with the steering accuracy, as radial vibrations do not create torque that would affect steering precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different control strategies to different directional components of vibration. Radial vibrations are intentionally generated and controlled for haptic feedback purposes, while tangential vibrations are actively canceled or minimized to preserve steering accuracy. This localized quality control allows the system to optimize for both haptic feedback and steering precision simultaneously by treating different vibration directions differently.
3Reliability
If active vibration control is implemented to reduce unwanted vibrations, then vehicle stability is improved, but additional control complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibration control function with the existing steering motor structure by utilizing the dual winding configuration that is already part of the motor design. Rather than adding separate vibration control actuators and sensors, the system integrates vibration generation and control capabilities into the motor itself, reducing overall system complexity while achieving effective vibration control and enhancing reliability.
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
Reduces vehicle vibrations through destructive interference and enhances vehicle stability while providing effective haptic feedback by generating vibrations in the radial direction, improving steering accuracy and driver experience.
Implementation Method 1
a current is applied to the steering motor based on the vibration generation control information
Implementation Method 2
reduces vehicle vibrations through destructive interference
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling a motor and includes: a receiver that receives vehicle vibration information or vibration request information; a determiner that determines vibration generation control information for generating a vibration having a specific magnitude and a specific phase in a steering motor including a first winding and a second winding based on the vehicle vibration information or the vibration request information; and a controller that performs control such that a vibration generation current is applied to the steering motor based on the vibration generation control information.