Asymmetric Steering Profile for Target Trajectory Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems in motor vehicles lack the ability to dynamically adjust steering profiles to support drivers in maintaining a target trajectory, particularly in situations where external conditions cause deviations, such as u-split conditions or exiting roadways, without requiring active automatic steering interventions.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetric steering profile is dynamically modified to support the driver in steering back to the target trajectory by enhancing steering support and reducing opposing forces when steering towards the target, and increasing indirectness when counter to it, using actuators and sensors to detect deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a symmetric steering profile is used for triggering the actuator, then the steering system provides consistent steering response in all directions, but the driver receives no additional support when steering back to the target trajectory after a deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by modifying the steering profile to provide different steering support levels depending on the direction of steering. When the vehicle deviates from the target trajectory, the steering profile is adjusted to offer enhanced support (lower steering ratio) when steering back toward the target trajectory, while maintaining normal steering characteristics in other directions. This asymmetric modification helps the driver naturally return to the correct path without requiring active automatic steering intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering profile is dynamically modified based on the detected deviation from the target trajectory. The control unit adjusts the steering ratio in real-time according to the deviation magnitude and direction, transitioning from a static symmetric profile to a dynamic asymmetric profile that adapts to the current driving situation, thereby providing context-dependent steering support.
2Ease of operation
If the steering profile is modified to support steering towards the target trajectory, then driver support is enhanced in the correct direction, but steering freedom in other directions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering profile modification applies local quality by selectively altering steering characteristics only in the specific context of trajectory correction. The asymmetric modification is activated only when a deviation from the target trajectory is detected and only affects steering inputs directed toward correcting that deviation. Steering inputs in other directions or when already on target remain unaffected, preserving normal steering freedom and driver control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting trajectory deviations and preemptively adjusting the steering profile to counteract the deviation. When the vehicle veers off the target trajectory, the modified steering profile creates a supportive effect that encourages the driver to steer back toward the correct path, effectively counteracting the initial deviation before it becomes a larger error.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a symmetric steering profile is used, then the steering system treats all directions equally, but it cannot preferentially support correction of trajectory deviations in specific directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry into the steering profile to enable directional steering support. By modifying the steering ratio differently for steering toward the target trajectory versus steering in other directions, the system gains the ability to preferentially support trajectory correction while maintaining symmetric steering characteristics when no deviation is present or when steering away from the target.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering profile parameters (steering ratio, support level) are changed based on the detected trajectory deviation. The control unit adjusts these parameters dynamically, switching from symmetric parameter values to asymmetric parameter values when correction is needed, and returning to symmetric parameters when correction is no longer required, thereby achieving conditional adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for operating a motor vehicle, which has a steering system with a driver-actuatable steering handle for specifying a steering request, and at least one wheel with a steering angle that is adjustable by the steering system, when an actual and/or expected deviation of an actual trajectory of the motor vehicle from a target trajectory of the motor vehicle is detected, a steering profile for the steering handle is asymmetrically modified for triggering an actuator associated with the steering system. In addition, in the method, a change in a steering angle of the wheel towards the target trajectory when the steering handle is actuated by the driver is more strongly supported than a change counter to the direction of the target trajectory.