Auxiliary Steering Power Supply Boosting for High-Force Maneuvers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems require large power supplies to generate significant steering forces during dry steering or emergency maneuvers, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary power supply unit with a switching circuit that adjusts its connection state to provide power to steering motors, including charging, backup, and boost states, using an auxiliary power supply device and multiple power supply systems to manage power distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large-capacity power storage device is installed in the steering device to ensure power supply during battery disconnection, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the device size and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power storage device with the steering angle sensor housing to form an integrated assembly. The power storage device is disposed in the housing that also contains the sensor, merging two functional components into one structure. This reduces overall device size and simplifies integration while ensuring power supply reliability during battery disconnection events.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it protects the steering angle sensor, provides structural support, and houses the power storage device. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate enclosures for each component, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If the power storage device is disposed in the housing with the steering angle sensor, then the device size is reduced, but the power storage capacity may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages power by switching between the main battery and the auxiliary power storage device based on battery state. The control unit monitors battery voltage and automatically activates the power storage device when needed, optimizing both space utilization and power availability without requiring excessive capacity in the compact device.
Solution Approach 2:
The power storage device uses a capacitor-based technology that provides high power density in a compact form factor. By changing the energy storage parameter from traditional battery chemistry to capacitor storage, the system achieves adequate power capacity within the constrained housing volume.
3Device complexity
If the power storage device is integrated into the steering device, then the number of separate components is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated housing is designed as a modular assembly where the power storage device can be independently installed and replaced. The housing contains separate compartments and mounting structures that allow precise positioning of the power storage device without requiring ultra-precise integration, facilitating easier manufacturing and assembly.
4Reliability
If the auxiliary power source unit is activated when battery voltage is low, then the power supply stability is improved, but the activation response time may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors battery voltage in advance and is pre-programmed with activation thresholds. When the voltage drops below the predetermined threshold, the system immediately activates the power storage device without delay, ensuring rapid response and stable power supply transition.
Data Source
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AI summary
An auxiliary power supply unit (1) includes an auxiliary power supply device (71) and a downstream power supply line group (72) connecting the auxiliary power supply device to motor units (13, 32). The auxiliary power supply device (71) includes: an auxiliary power supply (111) provided on a power supply path to assist with power supply from an external power supply (45) to the motor units; and a switching circuit (114) configured to switch the connection state of the auxiliary power supply to the power supply path. The connection state of the auxiliary power supply includes a boost state in which the auxiliary power supply is connected in series with the external power supply between the external power supply and the motor units. The downstream power supply line group (72) includes branch first downstream drive lines (161, 162) and branch second downstream drive lines (163, 164). Each of the upstream ends of the branch first downstream drive lines and the branch second downstream drive lines is connected to the power supply path at a position downstream of the auxiliary power supply.