Adaptive Grasp Detection Threshold for Steering Handles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grasp detection devices for steering handles in vehicles struggle to accurately detect grasp by drivers with non-standard physique, physical constitution, or clothing, leading to potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A grasp detection device that includes a measurer to measure electrical characteristics of an electrode in the steering handle, a detector to identify grasp based on comparisons with a set threshold, and a threshold setter that adjusts the threshold based on torque detection values from a torque sensor, allowing for adaptive threshold setting regardless of the driver's characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed capacitance threshold is set based on standard driver characteristics, then the device structure remains simple, but detection accuracy deteriorates for drivers with non-standard physique or clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed threshold into a dynamic threshold that automatically adapts to each driver's characteristics. The threshold is no longer a static value but changes based on real-time measurements of the driver's capacitance and torque, enabling accurate detection for drivers of any physique or clothing type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by using the driver's own biometric characteristics (capacitance and torque) to establish their personal baseline. The threshold is automatically adjusted based on the driver's natural grip strength and electrical properties, eliminating the need for manual configuration or standardization assumptions.
2Reliability
If the threshold is set based on standard driver assumptions, then the device remains easy to manufacture, but reliability deteriorates for diverse driver populations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration measurements when the driver first approaches or enters the vehicle. During this initial phase, the system measures the driver's capacitance and torque characteristics and pre-computes the personalized threshold before actual grasp detection begins, ensuring reliable detection from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the relationship between capacitance and torque measurements and dynamically adjusts the threshold based on this feedback. The threshold is recalibrated using the driver's actual grip characteristics, ensuring the detection system remains reliable even as driving conditions change.
3Measurement precision
If a single threshold value is used for all drivers, then the detection system remains simple to operate, but measurement precision deteriorates for drivers with different electrical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the threshold parameter from a fixed value to a dynamically computed value based on the driver's electrical characteristics. The threshold is adjusted according to the measured capacitance and torque values, allowing the system to adapt to different driver physiques, skin conditions, and clothing types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal detection mechanism that works for all drivers regardless of their individual characteristics. By using the driver's own biometric data to set the threshold, the system achieves universality - the same device can accurately detect grasp for any driver without requiring driver-specific configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively detects grasp of the steering handle regardless of the driver's physique or clothing, enhancing traffic safety by ensuring accurate detection of driver engagement.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance formed by a human body, including a driver's hands grasping a steering handle, differs depending on the driver's physique, physical constitution, clothes and the like
Data Source
AI summary
A grasp detection device 6 includes: a capacitance measurer 68 configured to measure a capacitance of an electrode 60 provided in a steering handle 2 of a vehicle; a grasp detector 70 configured to detect grasp of the steering handle by a driver based on comparison between a capacitance measurement Ch_d by the capacitance measurer 68 and a grasp threshold Ch_thr; and a threshold setter 69 configured to set the grasp threshold Ch_thr based on a torque detection value Tr_d by a torque sensor 31 and the capacitance measurement Ch_d, the torque sensor 31 being configured to detect steering torque. The threshold setter 69 sets the grasp threshold Ch_thr based on the torque detection value Tr_d and the capacitance measurement Ch_d at the time when the vehicle is in a specific driving state, and the torque detection value Tr_d exceeds a torque threshold.