Steering Assistance Estimation via Torque Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic power steering systems lack the capability to provide feedback on system status to adaptive steering systems, leading to reduced availability and performance when steering assistance degrades.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that estimate steering assistance by correlating internal and external torque applied to the steering assembly, using existing vehicle sensors and controllers to detect changes in steering assistance without additional sensors or electronics within the power steering system, and adjust the adaptive steering system accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic power steering systems are used, then steering assistance is provided, but the system cannot provide feedback on system status to the adaptive steering system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the actual torque applied to the steering assembly and comparing it with the commanded torque from the adaptive steering system. This torque difference serves as feedback information that indicates the status and health of the hydraulic power steering system, enabling the adaptive steering controller to adjust its operation accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using a torque sensor or measurement mechanism to indirectly assess the health status of the hydraulic power steering system. Instead of requiring direct feedback communication from the hydraulic system, the intermediary torque measurement provides system status information that can be processed by the adaptive steering controller.
2Measurement precision
If steering assistance degrades in hydraulic power steering systems, then the torque required to achieve desired overlay angle increases, but the adaptive steering system cannot detect the degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the adaptive steering system to self-diagnose the health status of the hydraulic power steering system by monitoring the torque relationship between the commanded and actual values. The system uses its existing sensors and controllers to perform this detection without requiring additional dedicated sensors or electronics within the hydraulic power steering system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing torque measurement capabilities serve multiple functions: both for normal adaptive steering operation and for detecting the health status of the hydraulic power steering system. This multi-functionality allows the system to monitor steering assistance degradation using the same sensors and controllers already present in the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating steering assistance provided by a power steering system of a vehicle may include correlating an internal torque applied by an adaptive steering system of the vehicle with an external torque applied to a steering assembly of the vehicle. The method may also include estimating the steering assistance based on the correlation.