Assessment Device Driver Control Detection Using Shift Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining driver control of a vehicle's steering wheel rely solely on touch sensors, which can malfunction, preventing accurate detection of driver control in such scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An assessment device that utilizes operation signals from shift operating units, such as those changing the gear ratio, to determine driver control of the steering wheel, even in the absence of a functional touch sensor signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only a touch sensor is used to detect driver control of the steering wheel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of driver control detection deteriorates due to potential sensor malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the operating unit (shift operating unit) for its primary function of gear ratio control while simultaneously using it as a secondary means for detecting driver control of the steering wheel. This allows the same component to serve multiple purposes: changing transmission gear ratios and providing backup driver presence detection, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from touch sensor signals to operating unit operation signals. By monitoring whether the operating unit is being operated (inputting operation signals for gear ratio changes), the system detects driver control status through a different parameter, providing redundancy when the touch sensor malfunctions
2Reliability
If additional operating units are added for backup detection, then the reliability of driver control detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the operating unit (shift operating unit) for its primary function of gear ratio control while simultaneously using it as a secondary means for detecting driver control of the steering wheel. This allows the same component to serve multiple purposes: changing transmission gear ratios and providing backup driver presence detection, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the driver control detection function with the existing operating unit for gear ratio control. Instead of adding a completely separate backup sensor system, the patent combines the detection function with an existing operational component, reducing the overall complexity increase compared to adding entirely separate detection hardware
Data Source
AI summary
An assessment device has a processor configured to determine that the driver is in control of the steering wheel when an operation signal from an operating unit that can be operated by a hand of the driver that is holding the steering wheel has been input.