Adjustable Steering Assist Torque for Disabled Driver Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power steering systems in vehicles require excessive force for disabled or handicapped individuals to rotate the steering wheel, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for adjustable torque assistance or prevent system failures that lead to manual steering challenges during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A steering assist system that includes an assist motor, electronic power steering system, and a controller to adjust torque levels, allowing users to switch between handicapped and non-handicapped modes, maintain assist during failures, and override system shutdowns, using a digital torque sensor and BLUETOOTH connectivity for remote adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If power steering system is provided in vehicle, then steering assistance is available, but force required for disabled persons to rotate steering wheel remains too great
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the level of steering assistance based on detected driver condition. The controller monitors steering torque and rotation speed, and automatically modifies assistive torque characteristics to provide optimal support for disabled drivers while maintaining normal operation for able-bodied drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key operating parameters including assistive torque magnitude, torque threshold values, and system gain factors based on detected driver needs. These parameter adjustments enable the same power steering system to serve both disabled and non-disabled drivers effectively.
2Ease of operation
If steering torque is reduced for handicapped drivers, then ease of operation improves, but conventional non-handicapped drivers will have difficulty controlling vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its characteristics based on real-time detection of driver behavior patterns. By monitoring steering torque magnitude and rotation speed, the system automatically adjusts assistive torque to provide high support for disabled drivers and normal response for able-bodied drivers, eliminating the need for manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment based on detected steering patterns. The controller automatically determines the appropriate assistance level by analyzing driver input characteristics, eliminating the need for external configuration or manual switching between different driver types.
3Reliability
If electronic power steering system shuts down during failure event, then safety is improved, but handicapped persons are unable to manipulate vehicle under emergency circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares compensatory measures in advance by continuously monitoring system status and pre-calculating alternative control strategies. When a failure is detected, the controller has already prepared modified control parameters that maintain steering assist functionality even when the primary electronic system shuts down, ensuring disabled drivers retain control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the failure condition into a beneficial outcome by detecting when the electronic system shuts down and automatically activating an enhanced assist mode. This mode provides maximum torque support to enable disabled drivers to steer during emergencies, transforming a harmful shutdown event into a protective response.
4Measurement precision
If torque sensor is used to detect steering torque, then measurement precision is improved, but false failure events occur due to momentary interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor torque sensor output and compare it against expected operating ranges. When momentary interference causes spurious readings, the feedback loop detects the anomaly, filters the false signal, and prevents incorrect failure detection, maintaining system operation during transient disturbances.
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
Reduces the effort required to rotate the steering wheel by 10-50% and ensures continuous assist during system failures, enabling safe vehicle operation for both handicapped and non-handicapped drivers, with enhanced reliability and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
an assist motor connected to the steering column so as to provide torque to the steering column
Data Source
AI summary
A steering assist system for a vehicle has a steering column connected to a steering wheel of the vehicle, an assist motor connected to the steering column so as to provide torque to the steering column for allowing a driver to rotate the steering column, an electronic power steering system electrically connected to the assist motor so as to provide a current to drive said assist motor, and a controller electrically connected to the electronic power steering system. The steering column is operatively connected to the wheels of the vehicle. The controller transmits a signal to the electronic power steering system to cause electronic power steering system to transmit the current of the desired level to set the assist motor.