Auto-Steering Sensor for Manual Takeover Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current auto-guidance systems for vehicles are prone to false detection of manual control requests due to pressure variations, leading to premature shutdown of auto-steering functions, and require significant effort and distance to disengage auto-steering, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A steering sensor coupled to the steering shaft detects manual steering input and transmits information to a controller to disable auto-steering, allowing for precise detection and quick shutdown of auto-steering functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is placed on the hydraulic steering load-sense line to detect manual control requests, then the auto-steering system can detect operator input, but pressure spikes and drops caused by outside influences may be misinterpreted as manual control attempts, leading to false shutdown of auto-steering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure sensing system with an electrical sensor system. Specifically, it uses a steering angle sensor (such as a rotary encoder or magnetic sensor) coupled to the steering shaft to detect manual steering input, substituting the hydraulic pressure sensor approach. This electrical sensing method directly measures the steering shaft position without being affected by hydraulic pressure variations, thereby eliminating false detections while maintaining accurate detection of operator input.
2Ease of operation
If a manual steering system stronger than the auto-steering system is used to allow operator takeover, then the operator can overpower the auto-steering system, but the operator must fight the auto-steering system until the vehicle is sufficiently off course, requiring significant effort, time, and distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical force-based takeover system with an electrical sensing system. Instead of requiring the operator to physically overcome auto-steering forces, the steering angle sensor detects the steering shaft's movement caused by operator input and sends an electrical signal to the controller. This allows immediate disengagement of auto-steering with minimal physical effort, eliminating the time and distance required to fight the auto-steering system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the steering angle sensor continuously monitors the steering shaft position and provides real-time electrical signals to the controller. When the controller detects steering input exceeding a threshold, it immediately responds by disengaging the auto-steering function. This closed-loop feedback system enables rapid response to operator intent without requiring sustained physical force.
3Measurement precision
If the auto-steering system is disabled based on GPS position deviation, then the system can detect when the vehicle is sufficiently off course, but the operator must steer the vehicle significantly off course before auto-steering disengages, varying according to control parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting operator intent at the steering input stage rather than waiting for position deviation to occur. The steering angle sensor detects when the operator begins to turn the steering wheel, triggering auto-steering disengagement before the vehicle actually deviates from the desired path. This proactive approach eliminates the need to steer significantly off course.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS-based position feedback system with a steering shaft sensor system. Instead of monitoring vehicle position and calculating deviation, the electrical sensor directly measures steering shaft movement at the point of operator input. This provides immediate detection of takeover intent with higher responsiveness and without the delays inherent in GPS position processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclose for auto-steering of an auto-guided vehicle. A sensor coupled to a steering shaft detects when an operator requests control of the vehicle. The sensor then transmits information indicative of the request to one or more controllers of an auto-guidance system, which initiates a shutdown of auto-steering functions. In this way, the system quickly reverts to manual steering in an automatically guided and steered vehicle.