Steering Column Pinch Detection Using Current Gradient Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting pinch situations during the adjustment of a steering column in a motor vehicle are prone to erroneous detections, particularly due to mechanical influences, which can lead to unnecessary interruptions and potential harm.
Innovation Solution
A method that senses and evaluates the gradient of a current signal from an electric motor during the adjustment of a steering column, using predefined limits to differentiate between pinch situations and mechanical fluctuations, thereby reducing erroneous detections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simple threshold comparison methods are used for pinch detection, then the detection system is simple and fast, but the number of erroneous detections increases due to mechanical influences
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the threshold value for pinch detection based on the currently active adjustment mode. Different threshold values are assigned to different adjustment modes (e.g., manual adjustment vs. automatic adjustment), allowing the detection system to differentiate between normal mechanical fluctuations and actual pinch situations. This dynamic adaptation reduces erroneous detections while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter (threshold value) of the detection system according to the adjustment mode. By modifying the threshold parameter dynamically, the system can accurately detect pinch situations in different operational contexts without requiring a completely complex detection architecture, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the steering column adjustment is interrupted frequently due to false pinch detections, then safety is prioritized, but operational reliability and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system dynamically adjusts its sensitivity (threshold value) based on the adjustment mode, allowing it to distinguish between safe and hazardous situations more accurately. This reduces unnecessary interruptions during normal operation while maintaining safety during actual pinch events, thereby improving operational reliability without compromising hazard prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the adjustment mode information to continuously optimize the pinch detection threshold. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from operational context and adjust its detection criteria, reducing false positives that would interrupt normal operation while maintaining sensitivity to real hazards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed threshold is used for current gradient detection, then the detection logic is simple, but the system cannot adapt to different adjustment modes and produces false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic threshold adaptation by selecting different threshold values based on the active adjustment mode. This allows the detection system to adapt to different operational conditions (manual adjustment, automatic adjustment, etc.) without requiring complex adaptive algorithms, maintaining relatively simple detection logic while significantly improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter (threshold value) according to the adjustment mode, enabling the system to adapt to different operational contexts. This parameter change approach provides versatility in detecting pinch situations across various adjustment modes while keeping the detection logic relatively simple through predefined mode-specific thresholds.
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 method effectively reduces the number of false pinch detections by accurately distinguishing between pinch situations and mechanical influences, ensuring reliable operation and preventing potential harm.
Implementation Method 1
for the at least one electric motor a current signal is sensed and a gradient of the current signal is evaluated
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a pinch situation during the electromechanical adjustment of a steering column in a motor vehicle by means of at least one electric motor, comprises, during an adjustment operation, for the at least one electric motor sensing a current signal and evaluating a gradient of the current signal, wherein, during the evaluation of the gradient of the current signal, a check is made as to whether the gradient of the current signal lies within predefined limits, wherein a pinch situation is detected when the gradient of the current signal lies within the predefined limits. An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle comprises a supporting unit by which an actuator is adjustably held, and an adjustment device which is designed to adjust the actuator relative to the supporting unit, wherein the adjustment device, to adjust the actuator, comprises at least one electric motor and a control unit is assigned to the steering column. The steering column is designed to carry out a method as above.