Steering Torque Disturbance Analysis for Vibration Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unintended vibrations in steering systems due to low stability margins, caused by resonant frequencies in electromechanical components and electronic control systems, lead to undesirable operator experiences.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate a torque disturbance signal, measure torque data, compute performance metrics, and improve steering system control based on these metrics to enhance stability and reduce vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering system uses electromechanical components and electronic control systems, then steering assistance and control capability are improved, but resonant frequencies are introduced causing vibrations and reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a torque sensor measures the torque applied to the steering system, and this measurement is fed back to the control system. The control system uses this feedback to adjust the motor torque in real-time, compensating for vibrations caused by resonant frequencies. This closed-loop feedback control enables the system to maintain stability while providing electromechanical assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes control parameters (torque commands, motor current) based on the measured torque and detected resonant conditions. By adjusting these parameters in response to system behavior, the control system can suppress vibrations at resonant frequencies while maintaining effective steering assistance during normal operation.
2Speed
If the steering system operates at resonant frequencies, then electromechanical responsiveness is improved, but excessive vibrations are generated reducing operator comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally uses vibration principles by detecting resonant frequencies in the steering system and applying counter-vibrations through the motor control. The system identifies the natural frequencies of the steering components and uses the motor to generate opposing vibrations that cancel out the harmful resonant vibrations, thereby reducing operator discomfort while maintaining responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful resonant vibrations into a useful diagnostic and control opportunity. By detecting the resonant frequencies through torque measurements, the system uses this information to adjust control parameters and suppress the vibrations. The harmful resonant behavior provides information that enables the control system to improve overall performance and comfort.
3Reliability
If torque disturbance signals are applied to compute performance metrics, then steering performance can be optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service diagnostic approach where the steering system uses its own torque sensor and control infrastructure to perform performance measurements. By applying torque disturbance signals and measuring the system's response through existing sensors, the system can self-diagnose and self-optimize without requiring external testing equipment or complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing torque sensor and control system serve multiple functions: normal steering assistance, vibration suppression, and performance metric computation. By utilizing the same hardware infrastructure for multiple purposes, the system avoids the need for separate diagnostic equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable performance optimization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for determining steering performance. The method includes: generating a torque disturbance signal; applying the torque disturbance signal to a torque command of the steering system; measuring a value of torque on the steering system; recording the measured value and a value associated with the torque disturbance signal; computing at least one performance metric of the steering system based on the recorded measured value and the recorded value associated with the torque disturbance signal; and selectively improving a steering system based on the at least one performance metric.