Steering Assembly Torque Determination via Dual Sensor Torsion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive-by-wire steering systems face challenges in accurately determining steering torque, which is crucial for safe operation and force feedback, as they rely on electronic transmission of steering information and lack effective methods to differentiate between driver-applied torque and actuator-introduced torque.
Innovation Solution
A steering assembly with a dual sensor system, where first and second angular-position sensors are assigned to different regions of the steering shaft, allowing for the determination of steering torque by measuring the difference in angle signals and utilizing the mechanical relationship between torque and torsion, ensuring redundant and safe acquisition of steering angle and torque data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single angular-position sensor is used to determine steering angle in drive-by-wire systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of steering torque determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the steering shaft into two distinct regions and assigns separate angular-position sensors to each region. This segmentation allows independent measurement of angular positions at different locations, enabling calculation of steering torque through the torsional deformation between regions while maintaining modular sensor implementation
Solution Approach 2:
The angular-position sensors serve dual functions: they determine the steering angle for normal steering operation and simultaneously provide data for calculating steering torque. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate torque sensors, reducing overall device complexity while improving measurement capabilities
2Ease of operation
If electronic transmission of steering information is used without mechanical torque sensing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of torque determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical torque sensing with an electronic calculation method that uses angular-position data from existing sensors. The steering torque is determined computationally from the difference in angular positions between two sensor locations, substituting mechanical torque measurement with an electronic field-based approach that maintains reliability while preserving ease of electronic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the torsional deformation of the steering shaft as an intermediary physical quantity that links the angular positions of the two sensor regions to the steering torque. This intermediary relationship allows accurate torque determination through electronic calculation based on measurable angular displacements, bridging the gap between electronic sensing and mechanical torque information
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 solution enables safe and reliable determination of steering torque, enhancing the safety and flexibility of drive-by-wire steering systems by allowing for accurate force feedback and integration with other vehicle systems, while maintaining a compact and variable design.
Implementation Method 1
a specific steering torque of a steering shaft acted on by the steering torque can be determined by means of a difference between the first angle signal of the first angular-position sensor and a second angle signal of the second angular-position sensor. A mechanical relationship between the steering torque and a corresponding torsion of the steering shaft is used as the basis for determining the steering torque
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a steering assembly for a drive-by-wire steering system of a vehicle having an input means for inputting a steering command, a steering shaft with a first region and a second region longitudinally spaced apart from the first region, and a sensor system for detecting a steering angle and/or a steering torque on the steering shaft. The sensor system comprises a first angular-position sensor and a second angular-position sensor. The first angular-position sensor is assigned to the first region and the second angular position sensor is assigned to the second region, so that it is possible to determine, by means of a difference of a first angle signal of the first angular-position sensor and a second angle signal of the second angular-position sensor, the steering torque on the steering shaft on which the steering torque is acting.