Autonomous Vehicle Steering System With Alternate Control Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack the ability to perform highly specialized steering functions without a traditional steering wheel and column, which limits their maneuverability in certain situations, such as parking or loading/unloading, due to reliance on advanced technologies that may be unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A steering system for autonomous vehicles that includes an autonomous driving assist system for primary steering mode and a touch screen or joystick for secondary steering mode, allowing user interaction to control the vehicle's movement without a physical steering wheel or column, enhancing maneuverability and passenger comfort by providing alternate control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional steering wheel and column are removed to enhance passenger comfort and interior space, then vehicle interior space and passenger comfort are improved, but the ability to perform highly specialized steering functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering control functionality is segmented into multiple independent control mechanisms: a primary autonomous driving assist steering system for normal operation, and secondary alternate steering mechanisms (touch screen with virtual steering wheel, joystick, or other non-steering-wheel mechanisms) for specialized maneuvers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall steering versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternate steering mechanisms are designed to provide universal steering control capability across different operating modes. The touch screen can display a virtual steering wheel that functions similarly to a physical steering wheel, while the joystick and other mechanisms provide alternative methods for achieving the same steering objectives, ensuring the vehicle can perform both standard and specialized steering functions without a traditional steering wheel.
2Extent of automation
If reliance is placed on advanced autonomous steering technologies, then automation level is improved, but reliability in situations where technology may be unavailable deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates backup alternate steering mechanisms as a cushion against failure of the primary autonomous driving assist steering system. These alternate mechanisms (touch screen, joystick, other non-steering-wheel mechanisms) are pre-configured and ready to be activated when the primary system becomes unavailable, ensuring continuous steering control capability and maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternate steering mechanisms serve as intermediary control systems between the driver and the vehicle's steering function. When the primary autonomous system is unavailable, these intermediaries provide a fallback path for steering control, allowing the driver to maintain control of the vehicle through alternative interfaces that do not rely on the advanced autonomous technology.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering system for an autonomous vehicle includes an autonomous driving assist steering system for controlling steering of the autonomous vehicle in a primary steering mode. Also included is an alternate steering mechanism controlling steering of the autonomous vehicle in a secondary steering mode, wherein the alternate steering mechanism is not a steering wheel.