Steering wheel hands-off warning device with pressure sensor matrix

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile parts, concretely, it relates to steering wheel hands off early warning device with pressure sensing matrix, including steering wheel outer disc body and the central box of setting at the central position department of steering wheel outer disc body, the left and right two symmetrical connecting rods of fixed mounting have between central box and steering wheel outer disc body, a plurality of film pressure sensors are fixedly installed on the outside of steering wheel outer disc body, the outside of steering wheel outer disc body still is provided with the outer wrapping sleeve for a plurality of film pressure sensors are covered in the inside, one side of film pressure sensor is provided with early warning module and control module, early warning module and control module all set up on vehicle host computer, the binding fixed band subassembly includes first fixed band and second fixed band of fixed installation on the side surface of outer wrapping sleeve. The utility model has pressure sensing matrix, can carry out real -time monitoring operation to steering wheel hands off, is favorable to guarantee the traffic safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically to a steering wheel hands-off warning device with a pressure sensing matrix. Background Technology

[0002] The car steering wheel is the main component for controlling the direction of a car. As people's requirements for vehicle performance gradually increase, some car steering wheels also include components for controlling the vehicle's audio system and driver assistance features.

[0003] Chinese patent application CN102975761B discloses an automotive steering wheel, including a steering wheel bracket. The steering wheel bracket includes spokes and a rim surrounding the spokes. The steering wheel also includes a rim airbag, which comprises an air bag installed inside the rim and deploying along the rim's curvature. This invention, by installing a rim airbag inside the rim, ensures that in the event of a collision, the air bag inflates, increasing the rim's stiffness and preventing deformation. By controlling the stiffness characteristics of the rim airbag, it ensures that the airbag will not rebound due to excessive stiffness upon contact with the rim, thus avoiding unstable contact with the driver's head.

[0004] Chinese patent application CN110887588A discloses a thin-film micro-pressure sensor, belonging to the field of pressure sensor technology. The thin-film micro-pressure sensor includes at least one pair of diaphragms arranged opposite each other, with QTC material and a detection electrode respectively disposed on the opposite surfaces of the two diaphragms; one diaphragm is deformable, and the other is non-deformable; the deformable diaphragm is connected to a force transmission unit, which includes a cavity and a filling liquid filled therein; the force transmission unit is used to receive external pressure and transmit the external force to the deformable diaphragm, causing the deformable diaphragm to deform around the connection point, thereby causing the two diaphragms to adhere to each other or move away. This invention utilizes the isotropic property of liquid conduction, ensuring uniform conduction even when a finger is applied to different positions or in different postures on the sensor diaphragm, thanks to the filling liquid, thus ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the measurement.

[0005] While the above-mentioned technical solutions have their respective advantages, with the development of the automotive industry, driving safety has become increasingly important. If a driver takes both hands off the steering wheel while driving, it can easily lead to loss of vehicle control and traffic accidents. Existing steering wheel hand-off detection technologies mostly rely on cameras to identify the position of the driver's hands or steering wheel angle sensors to make indirect judgments, which have problems such as low recognition accuracy, great influence from light, and high false judgment rate.

[0006] Some devices use a single pressure sensor, which can only detect localized pressure and cannot comprehensively sense the driver's hand grip status. This can easily lead to missed detections when the driver's hand position shifts. Therefore, we propose a steering wheel hands-off warning device with a pressure sensing matrix. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steering wheel hands-off warning device with a pressure sensing matrix to solve the defects mentioned in the background art.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A steering wheel hands-off warning device with a pressure sensing matrix includes an outer steering wheel body and a center box located at the center of the outer steering wheel body. Two symmetrical connecting rods are fixedly installed between the center box and the outer steering wheel body. Multiple thin-film pressure sensors are fixedly installed on the outer surface of the outer steering wheel body. An outer sleeve for housing the multiple thin-film pressure sensors is also provided on the outside of the outer steering wheel body. A warning module and a control module are provided on one side of each thin-film pressure sensor. Both the warning module and the control module are located on the vehicle's main unit.

[0009] Preferably, the connecting rod is provided with an inner wiring chamber, which is connected to the outer disc of the steering wheel and the center box respectively, and is used for wiring operations.

[0010] Preferably, a plurality of the thin-film pressure sensors are evenly distributed in a ring in the grip area of ​​the steering wheel, and the number of the thin-film pressure sensors is 8 to 12, covering a 360-degree range of the steering wheel.

[0011] Preferably, the outer sheath is provided with two symmetrical binding and fixing strap assemblies on the left and right sides, which are bound to the connecting rod for anti-loosening protection.

[0012] Preferably, the binding and fixing strap assembly includes a first fixing strap and a second fixing strap fixedly installed on the side of the outer sheath, the first fixing strap and the second fixing strap being located on the upper and lower sides of the connecting rod, respectively; This design allows the first and second fixing straps to be wrapped around the connecting rod for binding and securing.

[0013] Preferably, the first fixing strap is provided with a button, the second fixing strap is provided with a button hole, the first fixing strap and the second fixing strap are tied to the connecting rod, and the button and the button hole are engaged. This feature serves to initially secure the first and second fixing straps together.

[0014] Preferably, the end of the first fixing strap is provided with a rough-surface hook and loop fastener, and the end of the second fixing strap is provided with a barbed hook and loop fastener, and the rough-surface hook and loop fastener are bonded together. This feature serves to further secure the first and second fixing straps together.

[0015] Preferably, the width of the first fixing strap and the second fixing strap is between 1cm and 3cm, and both the first fixing strap and the second fixing strap are located near the outer disc of the steering wheel; This setting ensures that the position and width of the first and second fixing straps are appropriate and will not affect normal driving operations. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. This utility model uses 8 to 12 thin-film pressure sensors evenly distributed in a ring on the outer surface of the steering wheel to fully cover the 360-degree grip area. In conjunction with the control module, it monitors the pressure at each position in real time, realizing all-round perception of the driver's hand grip state. This solves the problems of easy missed detection and low recognition accuracy of single sensors, and achieves the effect of accurately detecting the state of hands being off the wheel.

[0016] 2. This utility model utilizes an outer sleeve to enclose a thin-film pressure sensor. The sensor is then secured to the connecting rod via a double-fastening method using a first and second fixing strap of the binding and fixing strap assembly, secured with buttons and Velcro. This ensures that the outer sleeve is securely installed without affecting the driving feel. The internal wiring chamber inside the connecting rod conceals the wiring, achieving integrated adaptation between the device and the steering wheel, thus improving ease of use.

[0017] 3. When the control module detects that the driver has taken their hands off the wheel, the present invention triggers the warning module to issue a timely warning. Combined with the accurate detection of the pressure sensor matrix, it solves the problems of lagging and high false judgment rate of traditional warning methods. It can remind the driver in the early stage of taking their hands off the wheel, so as to ensure driving safety. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the binding and fixing strap assembly of this utility model; The meanings of the labels in the diagram are as follows: 1. Steering wheel outer disc; 10. Center box; 11. Linkage rod; 12. Inner wiring chamber; 13. Thin-film pressure sensor; 14. Outer sleeve; 15. Warning module; 16. Control module; 2. Binding and securing strap assembly; 20. First securing strap; 21. Button; 22. Loose-faced Velcro; 23. Second securing strap; 24. Button hole; 25. Spiked Velcro. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model. Please see Figures 1-3 This utility model provides a technical solution: a steering wheel hand-off warning device with a pressure sensing matrix, including an outer steering wheel body 1 and a central box 10 located at the center of the outer steering wheel body 1. Two symmetrical connecting rods 11 are fixedly installed between the central box 10 and the outer steering wheel body 1. Multiple thin-film pressure sensors 13 are fixedly installed on the outer surface of the outer steering wheel body 1. An outer sleeve 14 for housing the multiple thin-film pressure sensors 13 is also provided on the outside of the outer steering wheel body 1. A warning module 15 and a control module 16 are provided on one side of the thin-film pressure sensors 13. Both the warning module 15 and the control module 16 are located on the vehicle host. The multiple thin-film pressure sensors 13 are evenly distributed in a ring in the grip area of ​​the steering wheel. The number of thin-film pressure sensors 13 is 8 to 12, covering a 360-degree range of the steering wheel. By using multiple thin-film pressure sensors 13 in conjunction with the control module 16 to monitor pressure changes in real time, the device can detect when the driver's hand is removed from any position, solving the problem of missed detection by a single sensor and achieving the effect of improving the comprehensiveness of hand-off detection.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, an inner wiring chamber 12 is provided inside the connecting rod 11. The inner wiring chamber 12 is connected to the outer steering wheel body 1 and the center box 10 respectively. The inner wiring chamber 12 is used for wiring operations, providing a hidden channel for the wiring, avoiding the exposed wiring from being worn or affecting operation, and making the wiring of the device neat and orderly, so as to ensure the safety of the wiring and the driving comfort.

[0021] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the outer sleeve 14 is provided with two symmetrical binding and fixing strap assemblies 2. The binding and fixing strap assemblies 2 are bound to the connecting rod 11 for anti-loosening protection. The binding and fixing strap assemblies 2 include a first fixing strap 20 and a second fixing strap 23 fixedly installed on the side of the outer sleeve 14. The first fixing strap 20 and the second fixing strap 23 are located on the upper and lower sides of the connecting rod 11 respectively, so that the first fixing strap 20 and the second fixing strap 23 can be wrapped around the connecting rod 11 to perform binding and fixing operations.

[0022] In this embodiment, a button 21 is provided on the first fixing strap 20, and a button hole 24 is provided on the second fixing strap 23. The first fixing strap 20 and the second fixing strap 23 are tied to the connecting rod 11. The button 21 and the button hole 24 are engaged. The end of the first fixing strap 20 is provided with a rough-surface hook and loop fastener 22, and the end of the second fixing strap 23 is provided with a barbed hook and loop fastener 25. The rough-surface hook and loop fastener 22 and the barbed hook and loop fastener 25 are bonded together. The first fixing strap 20 and the second fixing strap 23 are doubly fixed to the connecting rod 11 by the button 21 and the button hole 24, and by the rough-surface hook and loop fastener 22 and the barbed hook and loop fastener 25, to prevent the outer sleeve 14 from loosening and shifting, to ensure the stable detection of the membrane pressure sensor 13, and to enhance the installation firmness of the device.

[0023] Specifically, the width of the first fixing strap 20 and the second fixing strap 23 is between 1cm and 3cm. Both the first fixing strap 20 and the second fixing strap 23 are located near the outer plate of the steering wheel 1, which ensures the fixing strength while avoiding interference with the driver's grip, so that the operation is not affected, and achieves a balance between fixing effect and driving convenience.

[0024] It is worth noting that each thin-film pressure sensor 13 can independently detect pressure signals, accurately sensing the pressure of the driver's hands gripping the steering wheel at different positions. When pressure disappears in any area or falls below a threshold, timely feedback is provided. The sensors are made of flexible material with a thickness of less than 0.5mm, conforming to the steering wheel surface without affecting the grip feel. The control module 16 includes a microprocessor and signal processing circuitry. The microprocessor uses an STM32 series microcontroller, and the signal processing circuitry filters, amplifies, and performs A / D conversion on the analog signals from the pressure sensing matrix module. The control module 16 receives pressure data from each sensor, sets a pressure threshold and a hand-off judgment time, such as 3 seconds. When all sensor pressures are detected to be below the threshold for a duration exceeding the set value, a hand-off state is determined, and a command is sent to the warning module. The warning module 15 includes an audible and visual warning unit, consisting of a warning light on the dashboard and an in-vehicle speaker. The warning light is a red LED, and the speaker emits a rapid warning sound.

[0025] Finally, it should be noted that the thin-film pressure sensor 13, the early warning module 15, the control module 16, the corresponding control circuit, and the vehicle power supply involved in this utility model are all general standard parts or parts known to those skilled in the art. Their structure and principle can be known to those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods. In the idle space of this device, all the above-mentioned electrical components, which refer to power elements, electrical components, and the adapted controller and power supply, are connected by wires. The specific connection method should refer to the working principle of this utility model. The electrical connections between each electrical component are completed in the order of operation. The detailed connection methods are all technologies known in the art. When using the steering wheel hand-off warning device with pressure sensing matrix of this utility model, firstly, multiple thin film pressure sensors 13 are installed in a ring around the gripping area of ​​the outer disc body 1 of the steering wheel to ensure 360-degree coverage. Then, the outer cover 14 is put on and fixed by the binding and fixing strap assembly 2 at the connecting rod 11: the first fixing strap 20 and the second fixing strap 23 are wrapped around the connecting rod 11, so that the button 21 is inserted into the button hole 24, and the rough surface hook and loop fastener 22 and the barbed surface hook and loop fastener 25 are bonded to prevent the outer cover 14 from loosening. After the vehicle is started, the device is powered on, and the membrane pressure sensor 13 detects the pressure in real time and transmits the data to the control module 16. If both hands are removed from the steering wheel while driving, and the pressure of all sensors is below the threshold, the control module 16 triggers the warning module 15 to issue a warning. After the driver puts both hands back on the steering wheel, the pressure returns to normal and the warning stops.

[0026] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A steering wheel hands-off warning device with a pressure sensing matrix, comprising an outer steering wheel body (1) and a center box (10) disposed at the center of the outer steering wheel body (1), characterized in that: Two symmetrical connecting rods (11) are fixedly installed between the center box (10) and the outer disc body (1) of the steering wheel. Multiple thin-film pressure sensors (13) are fixedly installed on the outer surface of the outer disc body (1). An outer sleeve (14) for housing the multiple thin-film pressure sensors (13) is also provided on the outside of the outer disc body (1). A warning module (15) and a control module (16) are provided on one side of the thin-film pressure sensors (13). The warning module (15) and the control module (16) are both located on the vehicle host. The multiple thin-film pressure sensors (13) are evenly distributed in a ring in the grip area of ​​the steering wheel. The number of thin-film pressure sensors (13) is 8 to 12, covering a 360-degree range of the steering wheel. The outer sheath (14) is provided with two symmetrical binding and fixing strap assemblies (2) on the left and right sides. The binding and fixing strap assemblies (2) are bound to the connecting rod (11) for anti-loosening protection. The binding and fixing strap assemblies (2) include a first fixing strap (20) and a second fixing strap (23) fixedly installed on the side of the outer sheath (14). The first fixing strap (20) and the second fixing strap (23) are located on the upper and lower sides of the connecting rod (11) respectively. The first fixing strap (20) is provided with a button (21), and the second fixing strap (23) is provided with a button hole (24). The first fixing strap (20) and the second fixing strap (23) are bound to the connecting rod (11), and the button (21) and the button hole (24) are engaged.

2. The steering wheel hands-off warning device with pressure sensing matrix according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting rod (11) is provided with an inner wiring chamber (12), which is connected to the outer disc of the steering wheel (1) and the center box (10) respectively. The inner wiring chamber (12) is used for wiring operations.

3. The steering wheel hands-off warning device with pressure sensing matrix according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first fixing band (20) has a rough-surface hook and loop fastener (22) at its end, and the second fixing band (23) has a barbed hook and loop fastener (25) at its end. The rough-surface hook and loop fastener (22) and the barbed hook and loop fastener (25) are bonded together.

4. The steering wheel hands-off warning device with pressure sensing matrix according to claim 3, characterized in that: The width of the first fixing strap (20) and the second fixing strap (23) is between 1cm and 3cm. Both the first fixing strap (20) and the second fixing strap (23) are located near the outer disc of the steering wheel (1).

Images