Capacitive Steering Sensors for Operator-Independent Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems struggle to accurately interpret steering input pressure due to variations among vehicle operators, leading to inconsistent vehicle control based on personal differences in physique and age.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system utilizing capacitive sensors on a steering input member to detect touch operations, allowing for accurate acceleration and deceleration control without regard to personal differences, with additional sensors to prevent accidental vehicle movement and ensure intentional operator input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a piezoelectric element is used to detect pressure input on the steering input member, then the vehicle control system can detect operator input, but the detection accuracy varies due to personal differences in physique and age
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the piezoelectric pressure detection mechanism with a capacitive sensor system. Instead of measuring mechanical pressure through piezoelectric elements that vary with operator physique, the system uses capacitive sensors to detect touch operations and rotational operations on the steering input member. This substitution eliminates the dependency on operator-specific pressure characteristics while maintaining accurate input detection.
2Ease of operation
If pressure-based control is used, then vehicle acceleration and deceleration can be controlled, but the control input varies significantly among different operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from pressure magnitude (which varies by operator) to touch presence and rotational position (which are consistent across operators). The capacitive sensors detect whether the steering input member is being touched and its rotational angle, providing reliable and consistent control inputs regardless of operator physique or age.
3Measurement precision
If capacitive sensors are added to the steering input member, then touch operations can be detected accurately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensors on the steering input member serve multiple functions: detecting touch operations for acceleration/deceleration control, detecting rotational operations for steering control, and providing consistent input detection across all operators. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate pressure sensors and pedals.
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
The system enables precise and consistent vehicle control through touch operations, minimizing the impact of operator variations and ensuring safe and intended vehicle acceleration and deceleration, enhancing driving comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitive sensor (35; 36) provided on a first surface portion (33A; 33B) of the steering input member facing in one direction along a rotational center line of the steering input member
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system includes a steering input member rotatably supported by a vehicle body, a first capacitive sensor provided on a first surface portion of the steering input member facing in one direction along a rotational center line of the steering input member, a second capacitive sensor provided on a second surface portion of the steering input member opposite to the first surface portion, and a control unit configured to control a drive unit and/or a brake unit of the vehicle according to signals from the first and second capacitive sensors. The control unit executes an acceleration control to control the drive unit to accelerate the vehicle when a prescribed signal is received from the first capacitive sensor, and to execute a deceleration control to control the drive unit and/or the brake unit to decelerate the vehicle when a prescribed signal is received from the second capacitive sensor.