Drive-by-wire steering with gyroscopic stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems, particularly drive-by-wire systems, complicate the user experience due to the need for counter-steering, which is counter-intuitive and requires drivers to destabilize the vehicle before correcting the steering direction, especially in single-track or low-speed vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that includes a driver input mechanism, control actuators, and a processor linked to multiple wheels, utilizing gyroscopic stabilization and haptic feedback to maintain stabilization without the need for counter-steering, with a mechanical fail-safe system for redundancy in case of electrical failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drive-by-wire steering is implemented, then steering precision and control are improved, but the user experience becomes more complex due to counter-steering requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical steering linkage with an electronic drive-by-wire system that uses motors and sensors to control wheel angle. This substitution enables precise electronic control of steering while eliminating the need for counter-steering operations, as the system directly controls the wheel position based on driver input without requiring the driver to first steer opposite to the desired direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor wheel angle, steering torque, and vehicle state, and this information is fed back to the control system. The control system uses this feedback to automatically adjust motor commands to maintain the desired steering angle and provide haptic feedback to the driver, eliminating the need for counter-steering while maintaining precision control.
2Reliability
If mechanical linkage is maintained for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steering system into independent functional modules: an electronic control system with motors and sensors, and a separate mechanical linkage system. This segmentation allows the electronic system to provide primary steering control with high precision, while the mechanical linkage serves as a simple redundant backup that engages only if the electronic system fails, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different parts of the steering system. The electronic control system uses high-precision sensors and actuators for accurate steering control, while the mechanical linkage is designed for simplicity and reliability. Each subsystem is optimized for its specific function, with the electronic system providing sophisticated control and the mechanical system providing fail-safe redundancy, thereby achieving high reliability without excessive complexity.
3Ease of operation
If haptic feedback is added to improve driver feedback, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the haptic feedback function with the existing motor actuators that control the steering wheels. The same motors that drive the wheels also generate the haptic feedback forces applied to the steering wheel shaft, eliminating the need for separate haptic feedback actuators. This integration provides intuitive tactile feedback to the driver while minimizing additional complexity in the steering system.
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 the intuitive driving experience by decoupling driver input from steering controls, allowing remote operation and providing intuitive feedback through haptic resistance, enabling precise control and continuous steering without the need for counter-steering, even in vehicles with gyro stabilized systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gyroscope unit coupled to the frame, and at least one control module stored in the memory and executed via the processor. The control module may execute operations to... adjust an output torque of the gyroscope unit by adjusting a rotational velocity of a tilt of at least one of the flywheels
Implementation Method 2
The haptic feedback system indicates the control effort needed to perform the requested maneuver, as well as feedback from road conditions. This is implemented as a responsive torque on the steering actuation system
Data Source
AI summary
A drive-by-wire steering system on a vehicle requiring counter-steering includes a driver input mechanism, for example, a steering wheel, joystick, voice command receiver, or keyboard, and a control system. A sensor receives driver input and sends that information to the control system. An engagement mechanism, for example, a clutch, separates the driver input mechanism from controlling the vehicle. The control system further includes at least one actuator, a wheel, and a mechanical linkage controllable via the engagement mechanism in order for the control system to articulate a steering mechanism, for example, the front wheel of the vehicle, as appropriate.