Steering Device Preheating Control for Cold Start Viscosity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems, particularly in commercial vehicles, face challenges in achieving effective preheating of the working medium during cold starts, which affects the viscosity and operational efficiency of the steering device.
Innovation Solution
A control unit and method for a vehicle steering device that utilizes an electric motor to heat the working medium by providing specific motor signals and valve control signals, allowing the working medium to be heated without generating steering assistance, thereby improving start-up behavior and viscosity before the vehicle is in motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the pump is operated during cold start to circulate the working medium, then the working medium temperature increases, but the steering assistance function cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the working medium by operating the pump in a preheating phase before normal steering operation. The control unit detects cold start conditions and activates the pump to circulate the working medium through the heating element, preparing the system for optimal operation before the vehicle is driven.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes based on temperature conditions. The control unit monitors the working medium temperature and transitions the pump from preheating mode (circulation only) to normal steering assistance mode when the optimal temperature is reached, ensuring both heating and steering functions are provided at appropriate times.
2Ease of operation
If the electric motor is used to heat the working medium, then the viscosity improves, but energy is consumed without providing steering support
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor performs preliminary heating of the working medium during cold start conditions before normal steering operation is required. By detecting cold start states, the control unit activates the motor to heat the working medium through controlled current flow, improving viscosity in advance so that when steering assistance is needed, the system is already optimized for efficient operation.
3Ease of operation
If the valve is opened to bypass the transmission device during preheating, then the pump can operate without causing steering movement, but steering assistance is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is opened in advance during the preheating phase to allow the pump to circulate the working medium through the heating element without directing pressure to the transmission device. This preliminary action ensures the working medium is heated and viscosity improved before steering assistance is activated, preventing unwanted steering movements during heating while preparing the system for optimal steering performance.
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
The solution enhances the start-up behavior of the steering device by improving the viscosity of the working medium, ensuring better operational efficiency and reducing the time required to reach the optimal operating temperature, thus supporting improved steering assistance.
Implementation Method 1
The control unit is designed to provide a motor signal to an electric motor of the steering device to heat the working medium
Implementation Method 2
The steering device has a pumping device with a pump for pumping a working medium to a first output port or a second output port of the pumping device
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit is provided for a vehicle with a steering device having a pump device, which has a pump and an electric motor, a transmission, and a valve. The control unit is designed to provide, in a preheating phase for heating the working medium, a motor signal to the electric motor for operating the electric motor of the steering device, and to provide a valve opening signal to the valve for opening the valve of the steering device.