Deformable Steering Wheel Rim for Haptic Takeover Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing highly automated driving systems lack effective means to provide haptic feedback to occupants when taking over the driving task, relying on unnecessary acoustic or visual cues, which can decrease user acceptance.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement that utilize a deformable handle element in the steering wheel rim, controlled by sensors and an evaluation unit, to provide haptic feedback indicating the takeover of driving responsibility, adapting shape based on occupant hand data to ensure comfortable grip and reduce distractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If acoustic or visual cues are used to indicate driving task takeover, then the occupant receives clear information about responsibility transfer, but user acceptance decreases due to unnecessary distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic and visual feedback systems with a haptic feedback mechanism. The steering wheel rim incorporates actuators that generate tactile sensations (vibrations, pulses, or resistance changes) to communicate driving task takeover status to the occupant, eliminating the need for distracting acoustic or visual cues while maintaining effective information transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic feedback system acts as an intermediary between the automated driving system and the occupant. Instead of directly using acoustic or visual signals that may cause distraction, the system uses tactile sensations through the steering wheel as a mediating channel to convey responsibility transfer information in a non-intrusive manner.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a deformable handle element is used to provide haptic feedback, then user acceptance and comfort increase, but device complexity increases due to additional actuators and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable handle element serves multiple functions: it provides haptic feedback for driving task takeover indication, adapts to different hand sizes and gripping styles for enhanced comfort, and maintains structural integration with the steering wheel rim. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate acoustic or visual feedback systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the feedback mechanism with the steering wheel structure itself. The deformable handle element is integrated into the steering wheel rim, combining the steering function with the haptic feedback function in a single unified structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added deformability features.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If haptic feedback is provided through steering wheel deformations, then distractions are eliminated and user acceptance increases, but the ability to detect occupant gripping action becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors (such as pressure sensors, capacitive sensors, or flex sensors) integrated into the steering wheel rim to detect occupant gripping actions. These sensors provide real-time feedback about hand presence and gripping force, enabling the control system to distinguish between intentional gripping and passive contact, thereby maintaining accurate detection despite the deformable handle element.
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
Enhances user acceptance and comfort by eliminating the need for additional cues, providing consistent haptic feedback during task takeover and surrender, thereby improving driving safety and experience in highly automated modes.
Implementation Method 1
The technology behind this is based on materials which can deform, such as for example dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA), which can expand or shrink in each case depending on the applied voltage.
Implementation Method 2
DE 10 2006 023 287 A1 and DE 199 27 464 B4 disclose steering wheels for motor vehicles with pressure sensors for the reception of user inputs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for having an occupant of a vehicle that is in a highly automated driving mode take over a driving task includes the steps of determining that the occupant has taken over the driving task and, in response thereto, automatically actuating a handle element, which can change its shape, in order to affect the haptics of a rim of a steering wheel of the vehicle.