Steering System Redundant Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle steering systems with steer-by-wire or highly automated driving require redundancy to maintain functionality after a single failure, such as a malfunctioning steering angle sensor, but existing solutions do not adequately provide reliable and accurate position sensing.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with multiple sensors mounted at various locations associated with the steering gear and actuator, providing redundant position information to a processing unit for enhanced reliability and accuracy, including linear and angular measurements, ensuring safe steering even if one sensor fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple redundant sensors are added to the steering system, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is segmented into multiple independent sensing channels, each with its own sensor (first sensor, second sensor, third sensor) measuring different physical quantities (steering angle, steering torque, rack position). This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even if one sensor fails, as other sensors continue to provide data for steering control
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensors with different measurement functions are integrated into a single steering system that universally handles both manual and automated steering modes. The first sensor detects steering angle, the second detects steering torque, and the third detects rack position, creating a multi-functional sensing system that supports various steering operations and failure scenarios
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to provide redundant position information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different sensors are strategically placed at specific locations within the steering system to measure local physical quantities with high precision. The first sensor is positioned to accurately detect steering angle, the second to detect steering torque at the steering column, and the third to detect rack position at the steering gear, ensuring each sensor optimizes measurement quality for its specific location and function
3Reliability
If redundant sensors are implemented for fail-safe operation, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple sensors that measure different physical quantities related to steering position and state, creating redundant information channels. The first sensor (steering angle), second sensor (steering torque), and third sensor (rack position) provide complementary measurements that can be cross-validated, ensuring reliable position determination without requiring identical duplicate sensors for every measurement point
Data Source
AI summary
A steering system for a vehicle includes a steering gear, two knuckles of two steerable wheels, a steering actuator, a plurality of sensors, and a processing unit. The steering gear is connected to a first knuckle of the two knuckles and the steering gear is connected to a second knuckle of the two knuckles. The steering gear is connected to the steering actuator. The sensors are mounted at locations associated with the steering gear. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to acquire steering system position information. Each of the plurality of sensors are configured to provide acquired steering system information to the processing unit.