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Revving up Electrohydraulic Power Steering with Virtual Prototyping
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Analytics & Modeling - Real Time Analytics
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization
Applicable Industries
- Automotive
- Equipment & Machinery
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Machine Condition Monitoring
- Predictive Maintenance
- Virtual Prototyping & Product Testing
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
- Testing & Certification
The Challenge
Designing an electrohydraulic power steering (EHPS) system involves managing numerous interrelated components, where minor adjustments can significantly impact the system's function, efficiency, and reliability. The complexity of the system, which includes an electronic control unit (ECU), torque sensor, valve, and pipe system, requires a detailed understanding of how each part interacts. Traditional validation and physical testing methods are expensive and time-consuming, often taking up to six months. This slow process is not conducive to the fast-paced design cycles required in the automotive industry. Therefore, there is a need for a more efficient method to refine and optimize EHPS designs before moving to physical testing.
About The Customer
FZB Technology, based in Plymouth, MI, specializes in research and development for the automotive market. The company focuses on developing advanced automotive components such as motors, sensors, keyless RFID ignition systems, and electrohydraulic power steering (EHPS) systems. FZB Technology employs a team of skilled engineers who frequently use advanced simulation tools to model and refine their designs. The company collaborates with major automotive manufacturers, including Chrysler, to ensure their products meet industry standards and requirements. FZB Technology is committed to innovation and efficiency, leveraging cutting-edge technology to stay ahead in the competitive automotive sector.
The Solution
FZB Technology employs multiphysics simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics® software to model and refine their EHPS designs. This approach allows them to understand the behavior of the system's components and move closer to a final design before physical testing. The team models major components such as the ECU, motor, fluid reservoir, and helical gear pump, performing both individual and multiphysics analyses. These simulations help solve issues related to thermal performance, dynamic motion control, fluid delivery, and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). By using simulation, FZB can expedite the design refinement process, reducing the time and cost associated with physical testing. The team also uses specialized software like PumpLinx® for fluid efficiency analysis and SOLIDWORKS® for geometry updates. This integrated approach enables them to make significant design improvements and meet automotive requirements more efficiently.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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