Redundant Steering Power Pack Control After Single-Side Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steering systems with redundant powerpacks fail to provide full steering functionality when one powerpack fails, especially in critical driving situations.

Innovation Solution

A method to control steering systems by detecting a failure in one of the redundant power packs and temporarily increasing the output power of the functioning power pack to ensure full steering functionality, then gradually reducing it back to rated power to prevent thermal overload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the maximum output power of the functioning power pack is increased above rated power, then full steering functionality is achieved after failure, but thermal overload risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering functionalityVSAvoidthermal overload

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by temporarily increasing the output power above rated power only for a defined period of time after failure detection, then reducing it back to rated power. This time-limited power increase provides sufficient steering functionality during critical periods while preventing sustained thermal overload that would occur with continuous high-power operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by dynamically adjusting the maximum output power of the functioning power pack based on the operational state. The control unit increases power temporarily when needed (after failure) and reduces power when the defined period expires, creating a dynamic power management system that adapts to changing thermal and functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the maximum output power is increased temporarily, then steering functionality is maintained, but the system complexity increases due to power management control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering functionalityVSAvoidpower management control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback by implementing a control unit that continuously monitors the operational state of the power packs and automatically adjusts the maximum output power of the functioning power pack accordingly. The control unit receives feedback about failure conditions and time duration, then autonomously decisions to increase or reduce power without requiring complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12534126B2Method to control a steering system of a motor vehicle with increased maximum output power of actuator motor after unilateral failure of a redundant system

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG

AI summary

A method to control a steering system of a motor vehicle, the steering system including at least one actuator with two redundant power packs each, the method including detecting a failure in or of one of the two redundant power packs of the at least one actuator and switching off a malfunctioning power pack, increasing a maximum output power of a functioning power pack of the at least one actuator to a value higher than a rated power for a defined period of time, and after the defined period of time, reducing the maximum output power of the functioning power pack of the at least one actuator back to the rated power or below.