Steering Motor Thermal Management in Automated Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated parking systems require a steering motor with a large rating to handle full steering when stopped, leading to high power consumption and potential overheating issues, which can prohibit traveling during the parking process.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control device that generates a parking movement path with a vehicle speed and steering angle set to apply full steering axial force within a range less than the maximum driving force based on the steering motor's temperature, using external environment sensors and a temperature sensor to control the steering motor's load and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a steering motor with a large rating is used to handle full steering when stopped, then the steering capability is improved, but the power consumption and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the steering motor's operating characteristics variable rather than fixed. The motor operates at high torque only when necessary (during parking maneuvers) and at low torque during normal driving, allowing the use of a smaller-rated motor that would otherwise be insufficient for peak steering demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the steering motor by controlling torque based on vehicle speed and steering angle. At low speeds during parking, the motor can deliver high torque; at higher speeds during normal driving, the torque is limited to a lower value, effectively adapting the motor's performance characteristics to match actual needs.
2Ease of operation
If full steering is applied when the vehicle is stopped, then the parking maneuverability is improved, but the steering motor overheats and traveling is prohibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through intermittent cooling periods. The steering motor is allowed to cool down between parking maneuvers, with the control ECU monitoring temperature and preventing consecutive high-torque operations until the motor has sufficiently cooled, thus avoiding overheating while maintaining parking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cooling the steering motor before initiating a parking maneuver. The system monitors motor temperature and delays or modifies high-torque parking operations if the motor has not yet cooled sufficiently, ensuring the motor is in a safe operating state before applying full steering torque.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a steering motor with a small rating is used, then the weight and power consumption are reduced, but the motor overheats during full steering when stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring the steering motor's temperature and adjusting its operation accordingly. The control ECU receives temperature signals from the motor and modifies torque output or operation timing to prevent overheating, enabling reliable operation of a smaller-rated motor that would otherwise overheat during full steering.
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
Enables reliable automated parking while preventing overheating and travel prohibition, allowing for efficient parking with a smaller, lighter steering motor by managing the load and temperature of the steering motor.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the steering motor
Data Source
AI summary
An automated parking movement path is generated such that a vehicle speed and a steering angle are set so as to enable a full steering axial force to be applied within a range of being less than a maximum driving force which depends on the temperature of a steering motor. Consequently, a load on the steering motor is suppressed, and thus a rise in the temperature of a steering motor is suppressed within the movement path from a movement starting position to a movement ending position.