Steering System Electrical Connection Fault Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems face challenges in reliably detecting electrical connection faults between the current source and electric motor without causing steering movements that impact driving behavior or haptics, especially during transitions from manual to autonomous driving modes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves actuating the electric motor to generate or receive reactive current when no steering input is present, stopping the steering movement, or shifting the steering lever when the vehicle is stopped or locked, allowing for a check of the electrical connection without affecting driving operations. This is done using an alternating current or three-phase motor, and the actuation is controlled to prevent unwanted steering movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric motor is actuated to check the electrical connection, then the fault detection capability is improved, but unwanted steering movements occur that impact driving behavior and haptics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the electrical connection check during specific preliminary conditions (vehicle stopped, parking brake engaged, steering wheel locked) before normal driving operations begin. This timing ensures that any motor actuation occurs when the vehicle is stationary and cannot cause unwanted steering movements during driving
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the electric motor by applying current in specific sequences and patterns that generate reactive current without producing torque. By controlling the motor to rotate without generating steering force, the system can detect electrical connection faults while preventing unwanted steering movements
2Measurement precision
If the electric motor is actuated to generate reactive current for checking electrical connection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the steering movement control becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the current consumed by the electric motor during actuation sequences. The control unit analyzes the measured current values to detect electrical connection faults, using the feedback from current measurements to determine whether the electrical connection is intact or defective
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic actuation sequences where the electric motor is activated in specific cycles (first sequence, second sequence, third sequence) with defined durations and patterns. This periodic structure simplifies control by repeating standardized test cycles rather than requiring complex continuous control
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
This approach enables reliable and non-intrusive checking of the electrical connection, ensuring high availability and reliable fault detection of the steering system without impacting driving operations or steering haptics, even during mode transitions.
Implementation Method 1
the electric motor is actuated to generate or receive reactive current such that the steering movement stops
Implementation Method 2
at least one electric motor for shifting the steering lever so as to cause a steering movement in the presence of a steering input
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a steering system for a motor vehicle, wherein the steering system has at least one steering lever and at least one electric motor for shifting the steering lever so as to cause a steering movement in the presence of a steering input, and wherein the electric motor is electrically connected to a current source via cabling. In doing so, it is provided that the electric motor is actuated and an electric current flowing between the current source and the electric motor is measured in order to check an electrical connection between the current source and the electric motor under the condition that there is no steering input present.