Vehicle Power Supply Control for Assisted Steering Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from assisted steering to manual steering in electric vehicles is unsafe due to abrupt loss of electrical power supply, which is not addressed by existing systems that rely on mechanical connections to the crankshaft for backup power.
Innovation Solution
An electric power supply system with a main and auxiliary power supply unit, including an auxiliary energy storage unit, that controls consumer units like steering systems by derating their performance based on available energy, ensuring a smooth transition through a control unit that adjusts functions according to available power and energy levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical power supply is used for assisted steering system, then the system can be electrified and integrated into electric vehicle architecture, but the ability to use vehicle kinetic energy as fallback power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary energy storage unit is pre-charged during normal operation when the main power supply is available. This preliminary energy accumulation ensures that when the main power fails, the consumer unit can continue operating without abrupt interruption, resolving the contradiction between electrification and fallback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary energy storage unit acts as an intermediary between the main power supply and the consumer unit. It buffers power supply interruptions by providing temporary energy during transitions, enabling smooth handover from assisted to manual operation while maintaining electrification architecture.
2Speed
If main power supply fails abruptly, then the system responds quickly to failure, but the transition to manual steering is unsafe and sudden
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary energy storage unit provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-charged during normal operation. When main power fails, this stored energy cushions the abrupt transition, allowing the consumer unit to continue operating at reduced performance rather than shutting down suddenly, thereby maintaining safety during the transition to manual mode.
3Reliability
If auxiliary energy storage unit is added, then fallback power and smooth transition are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary energy storage unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a backup power source during main power failure, provides voltage buffering during transitions, and can support the consumer unit during high-demand transient conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component addition.
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
Ensures a safe and gradual transition from assisted to manual steering by managing power supply failures, providing drivers sufficient time to react and maintain vehicle control.
Implementation Method 1
at least one auxiliary electrical energy storage unit (21) comprised by the at least one auxiliary power supply unit (20)
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power supply system for a vehicle includes: at least one consumer unit having a predetermined performance range, at least one main power supply unit configured to supply electric power to the at least one consumer unit via an electric power supply line, and at least one auxiliary power supply unit configured to store a predetermined amount of electric power in at least one auxiliary electrical energy storage unit comprised by the at least one auxiliary power supply unit to supply electric power to the at least one consumer unit as auxiliary electric power. The electric power supply system and/or the at least one auxiliary power supply unit are/is configured to transmit a signal representative of the instantaneous amount of electric power and energy available from the auxiliary power supply unit to a control unit of the at least one consumer unit, and the control unit is configured to control the at least one consumer unit in accordance with the signal received.