Steering Power Backup Readiness Before Vehicle Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steer-by-wire steering devices face challenges in ensuring reliable operation when the battery state is not normal, leading to potential insufficient electric power supply for the turning actuator.
Innovation Solution
A steering control device is introduced, which includes a controller that waits for an auxiliary power source to be charged to a level where it can back up the main power source before allowing the vehicle to travel, ensuring that the vehicle does not start moving unless the auxiliary power source is sufficiently charged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery state is not normal and the electromagnetic clutch is connected, then the turning wheels can be turned by drive force of the turning actuator and operation force of the steering wheel, but the electric power supply reliability is insufficient because the auxiliary power source cannot back up the main power source
Solution Approach 1:
The controller waits for the auxiliary power source to be charged to a sufficient level before permitting vehicle travel. This preliminary charging action ensures that when the vehicle needs to operate, the auxiliary power source is ready to back up the main power source, resolving the contradiction between operational readiness and power supply reliability.
2Speed
If the vehicle is permitted to travel immediately after activation, then the vehicle can start moving quickly, but the auxiliary power source may not be charged to the extent that the main power source can be backed up
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of the auxiliary power source during the vehicle activation phase before permitting travel. This ensures that the power backup capability is established in advance, preventing situations where the vehicle moves without adequate power redundancy.
3Reliability
If the controller waits for the auxiliary power source to be charged before permitting travel, then the power backup capability is ensured, but the vehicle activation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The controller charges the auxiliary power source to a sufficient level (not necessarily full charge) before permitting travel. This partial charging approach provides adequate backup capability while minimizing the time extension during vehicle activation, balancing reliability requirements with activation speed.
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
This configuration prevents the vehicle from starting to travel in a state where the auxiliary power source cannot back up the main power source, thereby ensuring the reliability of the steering device's operation and preventing potential power-related issues during vehicle travel.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary power source that backs up the main power source
Implementation Method 2
the main power source may be configured to be charged with electric power generated by an in-vehicle generator
Data Source
AI summary
A steering control device includes a controller configured to control driving of a motor that generates a torque. The torque is a torque applied to a steering mechanism of a vehicle using electric power from at least any one of an in-vehicle main power source and an auxiliary power source that backs up the main power source. The controller is configured to wait for the auxiliary power source to be charged to an extent that the main power source is able to be backed up and to permit the vehicle to travel when the controller is activated with an activation operation for the vehicle as a trigger and transitions to a state where control of the motor is executable.