Steering wheel signal auxiliary safety system

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering wheel signal auxiliary safety system which comprises a steering wheel signal acquisition module, the steering wheel signal acquisition module is arranged on a steering wheel and used for acquiring state information of a driver holding the steering wheel, and the steering wheel signal acquisition module comprises a conductive metal film. The metal thin film and the insulating outer layer are compounded to form a synthetic body, the synthetic body is wrapped on the steering wheel framework made of metal, the metal thin film is divided into a plurality of independent areas, and every two adjacent areas are divided by an insulating material. The system further comprises a logic control module, an alarm execution module and a vehicle speed linkage module. By means of the system, the state that the two hands of a driver hold the steering wheel is recognized, and alarming operation can be conducted in a graded mode. In addition, the system has the advantages of low cost, stable and reliable operation and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive safety technology, and in particular to a steering wheel signal-assisted safety system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the field of automotive safety, safety technologies related to driving behavior mainly focus on the following aspects: 1) Vehicle speed detection alarm: The vehicle speed is detected by a vehicle speed sensor. When the speed exceeds a preset threshold (e.g., 120km / h), an audible and visual alarm is triggered. The principle is to monitor the pure physical signal and compare it with the threshold. A representative solution is the vehicle overspeed alarm. 2) Electronic Stability Program (ESP): It detects the vehicle's attitude through gyroscopes and acceleration sensors, and automatically intervenes in the braking system when there is a risk of sideslip. It is a passive safety control and does not involve monitoring driving behavior. 3) Steering wheel angle sensor: Used for monitoring the steering angle of the power steering system (EPS), it only serves as a driving assistance function and has no driving status assessment function.

[0003] Currently, there is a lack of technology for monitoring the driver's two-handed steering wheel position. Traditional solutions rely solely on the driver's active adherence to safety regulations, lacking real-time behavioral intervention mechanisms. For example, while existing EPS systems can assist steering, they only address the vehicle's dynamic response and cannot identify whether the driver has taken one or both hands off the steering wheel.

[0004] At high speeds (e.g., 80 km / h or higher), when drivers operate the vehicle with one hand or both hands off the steering wheel (e.g., making phone calls, adjusting navigation), vehicle handling stability significantly decreases, making them more susceptible to loss of control due to sudden situations (e.g., emergency steering). Statistics show that such behavior accounts for 15%-20% of highway accidents. Furthermore, existing systems cannot distinguish between normal driver actions (e.g., brief gear shifts) and prolonged dangerous behaviors, lacking a time-based behavioral analysis mechanism.

[0005] If a pressure sensor array or ECU integrated monitoring is used, the entire vehicle's electronic system needs to be modified, increasing costs by 2,000 to 5,000 yuan, making widespread adoption difficult. Relying solely on speed warnings cannot correlate with driving behavior, resulting in delayed safety intervention.

[0006] In addition, existing steering wheel modification solutions (such as embedding pressure sensors) may change the feel of the grip, increase the driver's operating burden, and are inconsistent with ergonomic design principles. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention proposes a steering wheel signal-assisted safety system that solves one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A steering wheel signal-assisted safety system includes a steering wheel signal acquisition module, which is disposed on the steering wheel and used to acquire information about the driver's grip on the steering wheel. The steering wheel signal acquisition module includes a conductive metal film, which is composited with an insulating outer layer to form a composite body. The composite body is wrapped around a metal steering wheel frame, and there is a gap between the metal film and the steering wheel frame. The metal film is divided into multiple independent regions, and adjacent regions are separated by insulating material.

[0009] In some implementations... The metal film is adhered to the steering wheel frame with conductive adhesive, and the boundaries of the area division are fixed with insulating material using insulating adhesive. The insulating outer layer is artificial leather; The insulating material is an insulating plastic film.

[0010] In some implementations... The metal film uses copper foil; The insulating plastic film is made of polyester film.

[0011] In some implementations, when the driver holds the steering wheel, the metal film in the area corresponding to the gripping position is pressed and contacts the steering wheel frame, at which time a high level is input to that area; conversely, a low level is input to the area not being gripped.

[0012] In some implementations, the metal film is divided into four or six separate regions.

[0013] In some implementations, the steering wheel signal assist safety system includes a control module, which comprises a logic control module and an alarm execution module. Both the steering wheel signal acquisition module and the alarm execution module are connected to the logic control module. The logic control module is used to determine the working status of the control alarm execution module based on the status information. The alarm execution module issues an alarm message.

[0014] In some implementations... The logic control module includes a logic control circuit, which includes NAND gates, three-input NAND gates, and four-input NAND gates. The logic control circuit inputs status information and outputs status signals. The status signals correspond to the status types, and the working status of the alarm execution module is controlled according to the status signals. The control module includes a delay control module, and the logic control module is connected to the alarm execution module through the delay control module.

[0015] In some implementations, the control module includes a vehicle speed linkage module, which is connected to the logic control module and receives vehicle speed sensor signals from the vehicle speed sensor to the logic control module through the vehicle speed linkage module.

[0016] In some implementations, the steering wheel signal assist safety system includes a GSM module to simultaneously send vehicle information to the fleet management platform while the alarm execution module is operating. The vehicle information includes vehicle location, driving status, and duration.

[0017] In some implementations, the steering wheel signal assist safety system is powered by the vehicle's CAN bus and connected to a backup battery.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: By using a partitioned metal film design and physical contact signal acquisition, the cost is effectively reduced. Compared with the solution using a pressure sensor, the cost can be reduced by 90%, and the structure is simple and durable. It can monitor driving behavior in real time and enable graded safety intervention; It can be adjusted by combining vehicle speed and grip status to avoid false alarms in low-speed urban road scenarios, thus improving the reliability of the system; The added delay control module can avoid brief one-handed operation, such as gear shifting, and accidental triggering, further enhancing the reliability of the system. This system can effectively expand application scenarios, such as: civilian vehicles: especially suitable for family cars, ride-hailing and other scenarios, reducing the risk of accidents caused by driver fatigue or distraction; commercial vehicles: can be integrated into freight trucks and long-distance buses, and work with fleet management systems to achieve remote monitoring of driving behavior data. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel structure provided in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a steering wheel provided in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of partition contact triggering provided in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of a steering wheel signal-assisted safety system provided in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 The circuit diagrams are provided for the control module in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6 These are signal timing diagrams provided in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a signal timing diagram provided in some other embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0021] Figures 1 to 5 This invention illustrates a steering wheel signal assist safety system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. This steering wheel signal assist safety system is suitable for passenger cars, and will be described in detail below. like Figure 1 As shown, the steering wheel signal assist safety system includes a steering wheel signal acquisition module and a control module. The control module includes a logic control module, an alarm execution module, and a vehicle speed linkage module. The steering wheel signal acquisition module is connected to the logic control module, and the alarm execution module and the vehicle speed linkage module are also connected to the logic control module.

[0022] The steering wheel signal acquisition module, installed on the steering wheel, includes a composite body and a steering wheel frame 1. The steering wheel frame 1 is made of metal. The composite body is wrapped around the steering wheel frame 1 and includes a conductive metal film 3 and an insulating outer layer 4 arranged from the inside out. The metal film 3 can be divided into multiple independent areas (which can be evenly divided according to the circumference of the steering wheel). A gap 2 is left between the metal film 3 and the steering wheel frame 1, for example: Figure 1 As shown, the area is divided into four independent regions: A, B, C, and D. The included angle α of each region can be between 60° and 120°, conforming to ergonomic gripping ranges. Adjacent regions are separated by an insulating material 5. The metal film 3 can be made of copper foil, the outer insulating layer 4 can be artificial leather, and the insulating material can be an elastic insulating plastic film (such as polyester film).

[0023] During installation, the metal film 3 can be adhered to the outside of the steering wheel frame 1 with conductive adhesive, and the insulating material 5 is fixed with insulating adhesive at the boundary of the partition to ensure that only the corresponding area of ​​the metal film 3 contacts the steering wheel frame 1 when pressed.

[0024] In practical applications, the thickness of the metal film 3 can be controlled between 0.08-0.12 mm, such as 0.1 mm; the diameter of the steering wheel can be 380 mm, which is then divided into 4 equal areas, with the arc length of each area being about 300 mm, and the thickness of the insulating material can be 0.2 mm.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, when the driver grips the steering wheel, the corresponding area of ​​the metal film 3 is pressed and contacts the steering wheel frame 1 (e.g., Figure 3 (as shown in Figure (b)), at this time, the input level in this area is high, and conversely, the unheld area (as shown in Figure (b)) is low. Figure 3(As shown in Figure (a)) The input is low level. When both hands are on the steering wheel, at least two areas of the metal film 3 are pressed and contact the steering wheel frame 1, and the corresponding areas are input high level (logic 1); when one hand is on the steering wheel, only one area of ​​the metal film 3 is pressed and contacts the steering wheel frame 1, and the corresponding area is input high level (logic 1); when no hands are on the steering wheel, all areas are input low level (logic 0).

[0026] The logic control module includes a logic control circuit, which comprises a NAND gate (74LS00), a three-input NAND gate (74LS10), and a four-input NAND gate (74LS20). The metal films in regions A, B, C, and D can be connected to the input terminals of 74LS00, 74LS10, and 74LS20 respectively via wires, with the common terminal grounded. The logic control circuit inputs signals A, B, C, and D (corresponding to regions A, B, C, and D respectively) and, after logical operations, outputs a state signal Y. Holding with both hands (A+B+C+D ≥ 2 high levels): Y=0 (no alarm); Single-handed grip (only one high level) or no hands (all low levels): Y=1 (alarm trigger condition); details are shown in the following logic table. Logical table The vehicle speed linkage module can be connected to the vehicle's own instrument panel to extract the vehicle speed sensor signal (outputting a 5V high level when ≥80km / h) and input it. It is linked with the Y signal through an AND gate (74LS08). The subsequent alarm circuit is activated only when the vehicle speed is ≥80km / h and Y=1.

[0027] The alarm execution module specifically performs operations including audible and visual alarms and cruise control. The audible and visual alarm can be: driving a light-emitting diode (LED) to flash and a buzzer to sound, with the alarm signal continuing until the state is restored. The LED and buzzer involved can be installed on the dashboard. Cruise control can be implemented as follows: The alarm execution module connects to the vehicle's own cruise control system and electronic throttle. If the hands are not returned to grip within a set time (e.g., 1 minute), a signal is output to the vehicle's cruise control system to lock the current speed and disable the electronic throttle. This is released when the hands grip signal is detected. This cruise control can be activated by a relay (JQC-3F) to control the cruise control system activation signal.

[0028] A delay control module can be added to the aforementioned logic control module. This delay control module can be an RC delay circuit built using an NE555 timer (R=2.2MΩ, C=10000nF), with a delay time tp=1.1RC≈30 seconds. Utilizing the NE555 timer's reset function (pin 4 connected to the logic output), it allows for a restart after a brief interruption of hand grip, adapting to normal operating needs during driving and preventing accidental triggering during brief one-handed operations (such as gear shifting). After the delay ends, the NE555 outputs a high level, driving the LED to flash and the buzzer to sound; the alarm signal continues until the status is restored.

[0029] The above delay time and pressure threshold are adjustable, such as: Delay time: By adjusting the RC value (e.g., R=1.1MΩ, C=10000nF), the delay time can be modified to 15-60 seconds to adapt to different driving habits; Pressure threshold: By adjusting the gap (0.5-1.5mm) between the metal film 3 and the steering wheel frame 1, it can be adapted to different grip strength requirements.

[0030] The aforementioned multi-zone design covers more than 95% of two-hand grip postures, with a detection accuracy of ≥98% and a false alarm rate of <1%, enabling precise behavior recognition. The application of delay and cruise lock not only gives the driver time to correct the behavior but also prevents dangerous behavior from continuing. According to simulation tests, it can reduce the accident rate of single-hand driving on highways by about 35%.

[0031] The above system does not require modification of the vehicle's electronic bus. It connects to the vehicle speed signal and cruise control system in parallel, and is compatible with more than 90% of fuel vehicles and electric vehicles.

[0032] The above system was tested, and the test results are as follows: Two-hand grip test: Press A and B at the same time, the vehicle speed signal is ≥80km / h, the LED does not light up, the buzzer does not sound, and the cruise control system is not activated; One-handed grip test: Press only area A, vehicle speed signal ≥80km / h, LED flashes after 30 seconds, buzzer sounds, cruise control locks current speed after 1 minute; Handless state test: With no pressure applied to the entire area and a vehicle speed signal ≥80km / h, an alarm and cruise control will be triggered after 30 seconds.

[0033] When the above system is applied to commercial vehicles, it can Add a GSM module (such as SIM800C) to simultaneously send an SMS to the fleet management platform when an alarm is triggered, containing information on the vehicle's location, driving status, and duration. The steering wheel has been divided into 6 sections (with an angle of 50°), improving the accuracy of grip posture recognition and making it suitable for large vehicles (such as trucks and buses). Power is supplied via the vehicle's CAN bus (12V to 5V), and a backup battery is added to ensure that the final status check can still be completed in the event of a power outage.

[0034] All of the above-mentioned undisclosed matters can be implemented using existing technologies, so they will not be elaborated here.

[0035] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0036] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

[0037] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering wheel signal-assisted safety system, characterized in that, It includes a steering wheel signal acquisition module, which is installed on the steering wheel and used to collect information about the driver's grip on the steering wheel. The steering wheel signal acquisition module includes a conductive metal film, which is composited with an insulating outer layer to form a composite body. The composite body is wrapped around a metal steering wheel frame, and there is a gap between the metal film and the steering wheel frame. The metal film is divided into multiple independent regions, and adjacent regions are separated by insulating material.

2. The steering wheel signal-assisted safety system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal film is adhered to the steering wheel frame with conductive adhesive, and the boundaries of the area division are fixed with insulating material using insulating adhesive. The insulating outer layer is artificial leather; The insulating material is an insulating plastic film.

3. The steering wheel signal-assisted safety system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The metal film uses copper foil; The insulating plastic film is made of polyester film.

4. A steering wheel signal-assisted safety system according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the driver holds the steering wheel, the metal film in the area corresponding to the grip position is pressed and contacts the steering wheel frame. At this time, the area receives a high level input, and conversely, the area not gripped receives a low level input.

5. A steering wheel signal-assisted safety system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal thin film is divided into four or six independent regions.

6. A steering wheel signal-assisted safety system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The steering wheel signal assist safety system includes a control module, which comprises a logic control module and an alarm execution module. Both the steering wheel signal acquisition module and the alarm execution module are connected to the logic control module. The logic control module is used to determine the working status of the control alarm execution module based on the status information. The alarm execution module issues an alarm message.

7. A steering wheel signal-assisted safety system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The logic control module includes a logic control circuit, which includes NAND gates, three-input NAND gates, and four-input NAND gates. The logic control circuit inputs status information and outputs status signals. The status signals correspond to the status types, and the working status of the alarm execution module is controlled according to the status signals. The control module includes a delay control module, and the logic control module is connected to the alarm execution module through the delay control module.

8. A steering wheel signal-assisted safety system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control module includes a vehicle speed linkage module, which is connected to the logic control module. The vehicle speed linkage module receives vehicle speed sensor signals and sends them to the logic control module.

9. A steering wheel signal-assisted safety system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering wheel signal assist safety system includes a GSM module to simultaneously send vehicle information to the fleet management platform while the alarm execution module is working. The vehicle information includes vehicle location, driving status, and duration.

10. A steering wheel signal-assisted safety system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering wheel signal-assisted safety system is powered by the vehicle's CAN bus and connected to a backup battery.

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