Variable Steering Assist Travel Limit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering systems for vehicles often have a fixed range of travel, which is inadequate for maneuvering in tight spaces like parking but undesirable for navigating uneven surfaces, leading to a need for variable steering assist systems that can adapt to different driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling a steering assist unit in vehicles, which determines a travel limit value based on vehicle speed and wheel position, allowing the system to adjust its range of travel to enhance maneuverability during low-speed operations while preventing damage from uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering assist unit has a greater range of travel, then maneuverability during parking is improved, but the risk of damage from uneven surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of steering travel limits based on vehicle operating conditions. The control system continuously monitors vehicle speed and steering angle, and automatically adjusts the travel limit parameter to allow greater steering travel at low speeds (improving maneuverability) while restricting travel at high speeds (preventing damage). This transforms the fixed travel limit into a dynamic parameter that adapts to real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the travel limit parameter based on vehicle speed and steering angle conditions. At low speeds below a threshold, the travel limit is increased to enable tight turning for parking. At high speeds above the threshold, the travel limit is reduced to prevent damage from uneven surfaces. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to have both large and small travel ranges at different operating points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering assist unit has a fixed range of travel, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions using the same hardware components. It monitors vehicle speed, detects steering angle, determines appropriate travel limits, and controls the steering assist unit - all within a single control system. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability to different driving conditions without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically adjusts travel limits based on sensor inputs without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by continuously monitoring vehicle speed and steering angle, and autonomously determining the appropriate travel limit parameter. This self-service capability provides adaptability while minimizing the need for additional complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a steering assist unit of a vehicle. The method includes receiving sensor data indicating a wheel position of a wheel relative to a frame of the vehicle, and determining a travel limit value for the steering assist unit based at least on the wheel position of the wheel. The method further includes outputting a control signal to control the travel of the steering assist unit based on the travel limit value.