Steering Power Backup Architecture for Automatic Steering Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic steering vehicles face challenges in safely controlling their operation when power is lost, as existing solutions only provide steering assist and do not ensure comprehensive control of both running and steering functions.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device with a primary power system, voltage converter unit, primary backup power supply, and secondary backup power supply, along with a battery management system, that supplies power to both the running wheels and steering devices, and includes safety brakes to prevent derailment by applying a braking force when voltage levels are insufficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a primary power supply system is used to drive the running wheel motor, then the vehicle can operate normally, but when power is lost the steering control cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power supply units (primary power supply, first backup power supply, second backup power supply) that can operate independently. Each unit is responsible for specific functions, allowing the system to maintain critical functions like steering control even when the primary power supply fails.
Solution Approach 2:
Backup power supply units are pre-configured and ready to activate when the primary power supply fails. The system includes predetermined switching mechanisms that automatically transfer power to backup units, ensuring continuous operation of critical systems without interruption or manual intervention.
2Reliability
If backup power supply is added to maintain steering control, then safety is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different levels of backup power supply are provided for different critical functions. The first backup power supply unit specifically supports the voltage converter unit and steering device, while the second backup power supply unit supports essential sensors and control units. This localized approach ensures critical functions are protected without unnecessarily complexifying the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
A voltage converter unit acts as an intermediary between the primary power supply and the backup power supply units. It converts power from different sources to the appropriate voltage levels required by various systems, enabling seamless switching between power sources without requiring complete system redesign.
3Reliability
If multiple backup power supply units are implemented, then power supply reliability is improved, but the weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backup power supply units are designed to serve multiple functions. They can provide power to different systems at different times (steering control, sensor operation, voltage conversion), reducing the need for separate dedicated backup systems for each function and thereby reducing overall weight.
Data Source
AI summary
This power supply device is provided with: a primary power supply system for supplying power to a motor for rotary-driving a running wheel; a voltage converter unit for converting voltage by being supplied with a part of the power from the primary power supply system; a secondary power supply system for supplying electric power converted by the voltage converter unit to a steering device; and a primary backup power supply for supplying power to the voltage converter unit. The primary backup power supply makes it possible to supply the power to the voltage converter unit when the voltage of the power detected by a VD of the primary power supply system becomes smaller than a predetermined value.