4-Wheel Independent Steering Mode Control With Fewer Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 4-wheel independent steering systems require multiple switches for mode transitions, leading to space constraints and driver confusion in selecting the appropriate mode.
Innovation Solution
A simplified switch configuration using a first and second switch on the steering wheel, controlled by a processor to perform steering mode transitions, including left crab, reverse phase, in-phase, and dynamic 4WS modes, reducing the number of required switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are installed for each steering mode, then all steering modes can be controlled, but the installation space required increases and driver confusion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A single switch is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting different operation patterns (pressing direction, holding time, combination with other switches) to identify different steering modes. This eliminates the need for multiple dedicated switches for each mode while maintaining full control capability over all steering modes including left crab mode, right crab mode, spin mode, reverse phase mode, in-phase mode, and gear ratio variable mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch system dynamically adapts its function based on the combination of pressed switches and the current vehicle state (speed, steering angle). The processor determines different steering modes by analyzing real-time switch combination patterns, allowing a static physical switch configuration to achieve dynamic multi-mode control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are installed for each steering mode, then all steering modes can be controlled, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
One physical switch location serves multiple steering mode control functions through different pressing patterns and combinations, dramatically reducing the physical space required for switch installation while maintaining comprehensive steering mode control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple steering mode control functions are merged into a single switch or switch combination system. The processor combines information from switch pressing patterns, vehicle speed, and steering angle to determine the appropriate steering mode, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate switches into a unified control interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are installed for each steering mode, then all steering modes can be controlled, but driver confusion occurs in selecting the appropriate mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the appropriate steering mode by analyzing the combination of pressed switches and current vehicle state, eliminating the need for the driver to manually select from multiple modes. The processor interprets switch patterns (e.g., left switch + forward movement = left crab mode) and executes the corresponding mode automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by monitoring switch pressing patterns and vehicle state, then automatically selecting and executing the appropriate steering mode. This closed-loop approach eliminates driver confusion by removing the manual selection step and allowing the system to self-determine the correct mode based on detected inputs.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a 4-wheel independent steering system of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a sensor module, a switch module including a plurality of switches for receiving an instruction for the transition of a steering mode of the 4-wheel independent steering system, and a processor configured to perform a steering mode transition operation of the 4-wheel independent steering system based on a combination of the switches of the switch module.