Steering Actuator Voltage Boost After Redundant Power Pack Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In motor vehicles with fail-functional steering systems, such as EPAS and steer-by-wire systems, the available power may not be sufficient for full steering functionality during unilateral failures, extreme loads, or short-term performance requirements, limiting the system's performance in critical situations.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects failures or degradations in redundant power packs and increases the supply voltage of functioning power packs to enhance power output, ensuring full steering functionality by temporarily boosting the voltage until predefined thresholds are met, using voltage converters in electric vehicles and generator control in internal combustion engine vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the steering system uses redundant power packs with standard supply voltage, then the system reliability is improved through redundancy, but the power output is insufficient during failures or extreme loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (supply voltage) dynamically based on system state. During normal operation, standard voltage is applied. Upon detecting failure or extreme load conditions, the supply voltage is increased to a higher level to compensate for the loss of redundancy and maintain sufficient power output for safe steering operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system transitions from a static power delivery mode to a dynamic one. The control unit monitors system state and adjusts the supply voltage in real-time, enabling the system to adapt its power output characteristics based on operational conditions, failure states, and load requirements.
2Power
If the supply voltage is increased to compensate for power loss, then the power output is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-voltage mode is activated periodically or temporarily only when necessary (during failure conditions or extreme loads). The system monitors the situation and switches back to normal voltage when conditions improve, ensuring high power output is available when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies excessive voltage (higher than normal operating voltage) only partially in time and space - specifically during critical failure modes or extreme load conditions. This partial application of excessive power ensures sufficient steering capability during emergencies while avoiding continuous high energy consumption.
3Reliability
If the system activates high voltage mode immediately upon failure detection, then the steering functionality is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors the health of redundant power packs, detects failure conditions, determines extreme load states, and controls the supply voltage level. This multi-functionality is achieved within the existing control architecture, avoiding the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
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 partial compensation for power pack failures and increased power during extreme loads or performance demands, maintaining full steering functionality and addressing the power insufficiency in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
If the road vehicle is an electric vehicle, it is preferred that that a voltage converter is used to increase the supply voltage
Implementation Method 2
If the road vehicle has an internal combustion engine, it is preferred that the increase in the supply voltage is generator controlled
Data Source
AI summary
A method to control a steering system of a road vehicle, the steering system including an actuator with at least two redundant power packs, the method including detecting a failure and/or degradation in or of the at least two redundant power packs of the actuator and/or switching off a malfunctioning one of the at least two redundant power packs, or detecting extreme loads or short-term performance requirements; and increasing a supply voltage for at least one functioning power pack of the actuator to a value higher than a supply voltage under normal conditions to provide a higher power output of the actuator than power output under normal conditions.