Torque Overlay Steering System with Adaptive Hydraulic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering systems face challenges in providing responsive steering assistance across varying vehicle speeds and operational modes, particularly in autonomous and non-autonomous scenarios, with existing systems often requiring high hydraulic pressure for responsiveness and lacking adaptive torque management.
Innovation Solution
A torque overlay device coupled with a processor and memory, which detects torque applied to a steering wheel and actuates a hydraulic steering assembly to provide counter-torque, adjusting based on vehicle speed and operational mode, using a torsion bar and motor to regulate torque and pressure in the steering system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high hydraulic pressure is used to provide responsive steering assistance, then steering responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts hydraulic pressure based on vehicle operating conditions (speed, steering angle, road surface). The control unit varies pressure levels to match actual steering needs, providing high pressure only when necessary for responsiveness while reducing pressure during normal conditions to conserve energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes hydraulic pressure parameters adaptively based on detected vehicle conditions. The control unit modifies pressure magnitude according to steering angle, vehicle speed, and road surface conditions, optimizing the balance between responsiveness and energy consumption by adjusting pressure parameters in real-time.
2Manufacturing precision
If high hydraulic pressure is used for steering assistance, then steering control precision is improved, but system reliability decreases due to higher stress on components
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts hydraulic pressure based on actual steering requirements and vehicle conditions. By providing high pressure only when precise steering control is needed (e.g., during autonomous operation or critical maneuvers) and reducing pressure during normal driving, the system maintains control precision while minimizing stress on hydraulic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit adjusts hydraulic pressure parameters adaptively based on steering angle, vehicle speed, and road surface conditions. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures sufficient pressure for precise steering control when needed while reducing pressure during normal conditions, thereby maintaining control precision without subjecting components to continuous high stress.
3Extent of automation
If torque overlay device is actuated to provide counter-torque, then autonomous steering control is improved, but steering sensitivity to operator input decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the level of counter-torque provided by the torque overlay device based on vehicle conditions and operational mode. During autonomous operation, higher counter-torque is applied for precise control, while during manual operation or transitional modes, the counter-torque is reduced or adjusted to maintain steering sensitivity and natural feel for the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit adjusts torque overlay parameters adaptively based on detected vehicle speed, steering angle, and operational mode. By varying the torque counteraction magnitude according to these parameters, the system enables effective autonomous control when needed while preserving steering sensitivity and natural operator feedback during manual or transitional operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive torque management is implemented across varying vehicle speeds, then system adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque overlay device and control unit serve multiple functions: providing autonomous steering control, adjusting for varying vehicle speeds, compensating for road surface conditions, and maintaining steering sensitivity. By integrating these diverse functions into a single adaptive system, the patent achieves high versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors detecting vehicle speed, steering angle, and road surface conditions to dynamically adjust torque overlay parameters. This closed-loop control enables adaptive torque management across varying conditions while using established feedback mechanisms to manage complexity through intelligent control algorithms rather than additional mechanical components.
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 enhances steering system responsiveness by reducing sensitivity to operator input, allowing for autonomous steering assistance with reduced hydraulic pressure, improving steering angle control and system adaptability across different vehicle speed conditions.
Implementation Method 1
detect a torque applied to the input shaft based on a detected strain of the torsion bar
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic steering assembly that provides a power assist to move the wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a torque overlay device having an input shaft and an output shaft coupled to the input shaft. The system includes a steering wheel coupled to the input shaft. The system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to detect a torque applied to the input shaft and to actuate the torque overlay device to provide torque to the output shaft in a direction opposite the torque applied to the input shaft.