Anticipatory Vehicle Steering Control via Surface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) systems experience a time delay in processing surface conditions, leading to delayed feedback and steering responses due to mechanical coupling of steering wheels with front wheels, which affects driving comfort and control.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering system with a detection unit that anticipatorily detects surface conditions ahead using cameras or LiDAR, and a data processing unit that generates control signals to apply forces to the steering system, synchronizing feedback forces with the surface conditions, thereby reducing time delays and enhancing steering response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional EPAS systems mechanically couple steering wheels with front wheels, then direct feedback regarding surface condition is provided to the driver, but time delay occurs in processing surface conditions leading to delayed steering responses
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of surface conditions using cameras or LiDAR to identify upcoming road irregularities before the vehicle encounters them. This advance detection allows the control system to prepare and apply compensating forces to the steering system in advance, eliminating the time delay inherent in conventional reactive EPAS systems that only respond after the wheels encounter the surface condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system (cameras or LiDAR) that senses surface conditions at a distance ahead of the vehicle. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the driver's steering input and the actual road conditions, providing advance warning that enables the control system to pre-adjust the steering assistance before the mechanical coupling transmits any disruptive forces to the steering wheel.
2Loss of time
If detection units and data processing systems are added to reduce time delay, then steering response is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universality of existing automotive detection systems (cameras and LiDAR) that are already deployed for other functions such as autonomous driving, lane detection, and obstacle avoidance. By repurposing these multi-functional sensors for surface condition detection, the system achieves improved steering response without significantly increasing device complexity, as the hardware infrastructure already exists in modern vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vehicle's existing detection infrastructure to serve the additional function of surface condition monitoring for steering control. Rather than requiring entirely new dedicated sensors, the system allows existing cameras and LiDAR to provide dual functionality, thereby reducing the net increase in device complexity while still achieving the goal of anticipatory steering assistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for control of a steering system of a vehicle. The system including an actuator for applying a force or a torque to the steering system. A force or torque can be superimposed on a force or torque originating from the wheels. The system includes a detection unit disposed on the vehicle and configured for anticipatorily detecting at least one surface condition of a surface section located ahead of the vehicle in the direction of vehicle travel and subsequently driven on by the vehicle. The system including a data processing unit disposed on the vehicle and connected to and communicating with the detection unit. The data processing unit configured for generating control signals for controlling an actuator of the steering system based on the detected surface condition.