Dual-Actuator Steering Column for Rapid Autonomous Mode Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles equipped with autonomous driving assist systems, the return of the steering wheel to a driving position can be slower than necessary for the driver to regain safe control, necessitating a rapid and efficient mechanism to retract and redeploy the steering column.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly with a retraction actuator and an adjustment actuator that work in series to translate the steering column shaft within a combined movement range, allowing for rapid retraction and extension to provide the driver with immediate access to the steering wheel during autonomous and manual driving modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single actuator is used to retract and deploy the steering column, then the device complexity is reduced, but the return speed of the steering wheel to the driving position becomes slower than necessary for the driver to regain safe control
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column assembly is divided into multiple functional segments, each controlled by a dedicated actuator. The first actuator controls the steering column shaft movement while the second actuator controls the steering wheel movement, allowing independent optimization of each segment's speed and range of motion to achieve rapid overall return to driving position
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control where actuators can operate at different speeds and ranges depending on the operational mode. During autonomous mode, the steering column can be fully retracted, while during manual mode, the system rapidly deploys to driving position, with each actuator dynamically adjusting its output to optimize response time
2Ease of operation
If the steering column is retracted to provide space for non-driving activities, then the ease of operation for non-driving activities is improved, but the time required for the driver to regain control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary deployment of the steering column to the driving position as soon as manual control is needed, before the driver actually needs to take control. This preliminary action ensures that the steering wheel is already in position and ready for immediate use, minimizing the loss of time
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators dynamically adjust the deployment speed and range based on the operational context. When transitioning from autonomous to manual mode, the system rapidly deploys the steering column to the driving position, optimizing the balance between providing space during autonomous operation and enabling quick return when needed
3Productivity
If the steering column is designed for rapid return to driving position, then the speed of deployment is improved, but the device complexity increases due to dual actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the steering column assembly into independently controllable sections (steering column shaft and steering wheel), each with its own actuator. This segmentation allows each actuator to be optimized for specific movement requirements, achieving rapid overall deployment while distributing the complexity across modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-actuator system provides multi-functionality by enabling different operational modes: full retraction for autonomous driving, rapid partial deployment for assisted driving, and complete deployment for manual driving. This universality justifies the increased complexity by delivering multiple performance benefits from a single system design
Data Source
AI summary
According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention a steering column assembly is provided. The steering column assembly includes a steering column shaft. The steering column assembly further includes a retraction actuator to translate an adjustment actuator mounting plate within a retraction range. The steering column further includes an adjustment actuator mounted on the adjustment actuator mounting plate to translate a steering column bracket within an adjustment range. The steering column bracket translates the steering column shaft within a steering column shaft movement range. The steering column shaft movement range is a sum of the retraction range and the adjustment range.