Steering Wheel Return Setpoint Adjustment for Acceleration Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering assistance systems in vehicles, particularly those with rear-mounted engines, experience reduced centering efforts during acceleration phases due to dynamic lightening of the front axle, leading to distorted driver feelings and vehicle control.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically adjusts the steering wheel return setpoint based on instantaneous longitudinal acceleration, intensifying the return force during increased acceleration to compensate for the reduced centering effect, ensuring continuous and effective centering of the steering wheel and directional train.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the vehicle uses a rear-mounted engine configuration, then the front axle becomes less stressed and steering is less subject to spontaneous centering, but the centering effort is reduced during acceleration phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the recall setpoint parameter based on longitudinal acceleration conditions. During acceleration phases, the recall setpoint is increased to compensate for the reduced natural centering effect caused by rear-engine vehicle dynamics, ensuring consistent steering centering effort across all driving conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that continuously monitors longitudinal acceleration and adjusts the recall setpoint in real-time. This dynamic adaptation allows the steering assistance system to compensate for varying front axle loading conditions during acceleration, maintaining reliable centering effort despite changes in vehicle dynamics
2Reliability
If the recall setpoint is increased during acceleration to compensate for reduced centering effect, then centering effectiveness is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing longitudinal acceleration sensor already present in the vehicle for other functions (such as traction control or stability control) and repurposes this data for steering centering compensation. This multi-functional use of existing sensors avoids adding dedicated hardware while achieving the required centering effectiveness during acceleration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical complexity with electronic control logic. Instead of adding mechanical linkages or physical adjustment mechanisms, the system uses electronic processing of acceleration data and electronic adjustment of the recall setpoint through the existing power steering control unit, simplifying the overall system architecture
Data Source
Figure 1~2(d)
AI summary
The invention relates to a method to assist with turning a vehicle power assisted steering wheel, during which method a return setpoint (final return setpoint) quantifying a return force intended to be applied to said steering wheel in order to assist with returning said steering wheel to a predetermined central position is formulated, said method involving at least one step (a) of determining longitudinal acceleration during which step the instantaneous longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle is evaluated, followed by a step (b) of adapting the return setpoint during which step the steering wheel return setpoint is adjusted according to said instantaneous longitudinal acceleration so as to increase the intensity of the return force if said longitudinal acceleration increases, and thus notably compensate for the lessening of the natural centring effect that is caused by the lightening of the steering under acceleration conditions.