Virtual Magnet Steering Feel Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanically supported steering systems lack the ability to actively and easily adjust the control feel, which is influenced mainly by mechanical components and passive virtual spring-mass damper systems, failing to provide dynamic feedback based on driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves introducing at least one fixed and one variable virtual magnet in the steering system, with their magnetic forces calculated based on vehicle parameters to determine a setpoint force and auxiliary force for the servo motor, allowing for active adjustment of steering feel, return speed, return time, and return distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive virtual spring-mass damper systems are used to model steering feel, then the steering system maintains basic control characteristics, but the system cannot actively adjust control feel based on driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional passive mechanical spring-mass damper system with a virtual magnetic field system. Virtual magnets (including virtual electromagnets) generate magnetic forces that simulate and actively control steering feel, replacing passive mechanical elements with an active electromagnetic field-based system that can be dynamically adjusted through control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the virtual electromagnets (current, magnetic field strength, position) based on driving conditions such as vehicle speed, steering angle, and road surface state. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves active control of steering feel without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mathematical functions are used to set return speed and return time, then basic steering characteristics are maintained, but dynamic adjustment based on operating parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mathematical function-based control with a virtual magnetic field system where virtual electromagnets generate forces that directly influence steering characteristics. This substitution enables more intuitive and dynamic adjustment of steering feel by controlling the magnetic field parameters rather than relying on complex mathematical calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operating parameters (vehicle speed, steering angle, torque) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the virtual electromagnet parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time adaptation of steering characteristics to match actual driving conditions, improving both adaptability and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual electromagnets with adjustable magnetic properties are implemented, then active control of steering feel is achieved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with a virtual magnetic field system. The virtual electromagnets generate magnetic forces that directly control steering characteristics, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and reducing overall system complexity while enabling active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual electromagnet system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates steering assistance force, provides return spring characteristics, and offers damping effects. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms and simplifies the overall calculation required compared to traditional multi-component systems.
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 approach enables easy and dynamic adjustment of steering feel according to driving conditions, providing enhanced haptic feedback and reducing mechanical stress on steering components by allowing for active influence of control feel through virtual magnetic forces.
Implementation Method 1
determine a virtual magnetic force that the multiple virtual magnets exert on each other
Data Source
AI summary
A method is proposed for operating a steering system of a motor vehicle, in particular an electromechanically supported steering system. First, at least one first virtual magnet and one second virtual magnet are provided in the steering system of the motor vehicle. A virtual magnetic force exerted on each other by the multiple virtual magnets is determined. A setpoint force that is to be applied to a lower part of the steering system is estimated and an auxiliary force with which a servo motor of the steering system acts on the lower part of the steering system is determined from the specified virtual magnetic force and the estimated setpoint force.