Active Steering Parking Assistance Reference Point Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle parking is challenging due to vehicle size and operator skill limitations, requiring assistance in aligning the vehicle with the parking space, especially in reverse maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A method using active steering systems that monitor vehicle and operator inputs to calculate and adjust the steering angle, ensuring the vehicle remains within the target parking region boundaries by determining a reference point and calculating a target steering angle range, with the system intervening only when the operator's steering input exceeds these limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually controls the steering wheel during reverse parking maneuvers, then the operator has full control over the vehicle, but the operator may lack the skill or precision to accurately align the vehicle within the target parking space
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary control mechanism between the operator and the steering system. The active steering system acts as a mediator that receives operator input and automatically adjusts the steering angle to ensure the vehicle remains within the target parking region boundaries, thereby improving parking accuracy without completely removing operator control
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle operating characteristics and steering angle, comparing the actual steering angle against the calculated target steering angle range. When the operator's steering input deviates from the acceptable range, the system provides feedback by automatically correcting the steering angle to keep the vehicle aligned with the target parking space
2Reliability
If the active steering system automatically corrects steering angle to maintain vehicle within target region, then parking accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active steering system is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors vehicle operating characteristics, calculates the target steering angle range based on the reference point and target location, compares the actual steering angle with the target range, and automatically corrects the steering angle when necessary. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated control mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors and corrects its own performance. The active steering system continuously self-evaluates whether the vehicle is within the target parking region by comparing the actual steering angle against the calculated target range, and automatically adjusts itself without requiring external intervention or complex additional control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A method to assist steering of a vehicle equipped with an active steering system when operating in a reverse direction is provided. The method comprises monitoring vehicle operating characteristics and an operator steering input. Boundaries of a target region and a reference point are determined. A target steering angle range is calculated based upon the reference point and the target location. A controlled steering angle of the active steering system is corrected when the operator steering input is outside the target steering angle range. An aspect of the invention included determining the reference point comprising a point of intersection of a first vector and a second vector, the first vector parallel to and passing through a centerline of a rear axle of the vehicle and the second vector perpendicular to and passing through a centerline of an inside front steerable wheel of the vehicle.