Automatic Torque Control for Push-Parking Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle parking systems lack user control and safety, particularly in tight spaces, as they may lose control when vehicles move independently, and there is a risk of colliding with obstacles due to lack of visibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow users to control vehicle displacement by applying an external force, using a propulsion system to assist in moving the vehicle to a target position while maintaining user control, with features like detecting external force, adapting torque based on user input, and ensuring the vehicle stops before obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the vehicle moves driver-independently into the target position, then the parking process can be automated, but the user loses control of the vehicle and cannot see what is happening
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the user to independently push the vehicle while the propulsion system automatically compensates for rolling resistance and provides assistance torque. The vehicle serves itself by detecting the user's pushing force and autonomously calculating the required assistance torque to maintain controlled movement toward the target position.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system dynamically adjusts the assistance torque based on real-time detection of user-applied force. The control unit continuously monitors the pushing force and modulates the torque output to match the user's effort, creating a responsive and adaptable system that maintains user control while providing automated assistance.
2Extent of automation
If the vehicle moves driver-independently, then automation is achieved, but the vehicle may run into obstacles such as children or bags due to lack of visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system autonomously monitors the movement environment and detects obstacles. When an obstacle is detected, the system automatically stops the vehicle without requiring user intervention, thereby maintaining safety while enabling driver-independent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors external conditions during vehicle movement and provides real-time feedback to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the propulsion system to detect obstacles and adjust or stop movement accordingly, ensuring safety during automated operation.
3Ease of operation
If the user pushes the vehicle manually, then user control is maintained, but it is difficult to push due to vehicle weight and rolling resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system provides assistance torque that counteracts the vehicle's rolling resistance and effective weight. This counterbalancing force reduces the user's pushing effort significantly, making manual vehicle displacement feasible while maintaining user control over the movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the user's pushing force with the propulsion system's assistance torque to achieve controlled vehicle movement. Both forces work together in a coordinated manner, with the propulsion system supplementing the user's effort to overcome rolling resistance and enable smooth displacement toward the target position.
4Productivity
If the propulsion system applies high torque to move the vehicle quickly, then productivity is improved, but the vehicle may run over obstacles due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system dynamically adjusts the assistance torque based on real-time detection of user force and environmental conditions. The torque output is modulated to match the situation, providing high force when needed for productivity while reducing force when obstacles are detected, thereby preventing harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors external conditions and user input, providing real-time feedback that enables the propulsion system to adjust torque output. This feedback mechanism ensures that high torque is applied only when safe and necessary, automatically reducing or stopping torque when obstacles are detected to prevent damage.
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
Enables safe and controlled vehicle placement in tight spaces, maintaining user control and preventing collisions by using a combination of user-applied force and propulsion system, ensuring compliance with traffic regulations and enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
determining a displacement torque based on the external force, displacing the vehicle to or towards the target position by applying the displacement torque to the vehicle by means of the propulsion system
Implementation Method 2
the vehicle may stand close to a building, a sign post, a tree or another object
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for assisting a user to displace a vehicle to a target position, the vehicle comprising a propulsion system for displacing the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: a) positioning the vehicle in a first position in the proximity of the target position, b) activating an assistance mode, c) detecting an external force applied to the vehicle by the user, d) determining a displacement torque based on the external force, e) displacing the vehicle to or towards the target position by applying the displacement torque to the vehicle by means of the propulsion system. The present disclosure further relates to a system for assisting a user to displace a vehicle to a target position and a vehicle comprising such a system.