Dual Joystick Steering Control With Active Lever Recognition

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous driving vehicles lack intuitive and comfortable control mechanisms for manual driving modes, particularly when multiple switches with different functions are integrated, leading to potential confusion and safety risks during emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A dual integrated control apparatus with two joystick levers, where one lever is set to an activation state and the other to an inactivation state based on touch recognition and steering direction, using sensors and feedback mechanisms to ensure clear operation and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches with different functions are integrated in one apparatus, then the control functionality is enhanced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to potential confusion during emergency situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidoperation clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated control apparatus is divided into two separate joystick levers (first and second levers), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple control functions while reducing operational confusion by providing distinct control elements for different functions or hands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each joystick lever is equipped with distinct visual indicators (lights) that provide local quality differentiation. The first lever has a first light and the second lever has a second light, allowing the operator to quickly identify which lever is currently active or assigned to specific functions, thereby improving ease of operation during emergency situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If two joystick levers are provided for manual driving mode, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual control comfortVSAvoidcontrol apparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Two joystick levers that could be considered separate control devices are merged into a single integrated control apparatus. This combining approach allows the system to provide dual-lever functionality for improved ease of operation while maintaining a unified structural housing and shared control architecture, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each joystick lever is designed to be multi-functional, capable of performing various control operations (steering, acceleration, braking) depending on the selected driving mode. This universality allows the two levers to share common functional capabilities, reducing the need for additional specialized components and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If visual indicators are provided on both levers, then the user recognition is improved, but the loss of information increases due to potential indicator confusion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelever status recognitionVSAvoidindicator system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The visual indicator system employs asymmetric positioning and differentiation between the first and second levers. The first light is associated with the first lever and the second light with the second lever, creating an asymmetric indicator pattern that helps users quickly distinguish which lever is active without causing confusion. This asymmetric design improves status recognition while maintaining a relatively simple indicator system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 recognition and comfort during steering operations by clearly distinguishing active and inactive levers, reducing the risk of misoperation and improving driving safety.

Implementation Method 1

determining a first recognized touch sensor of a touch sensor provided in the first joystick lever and a touch sensor provided in the second joystick lever

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTouch sensor recognition:

Implementation Method 2

steering operation directions of the first joystick lever and the second joystick lever are determined

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition sensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12403949B2Operation control method of dual integrated control apparatus for autonomous driving vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

In an operation control method of an integrated control apparatus for an autonomous driving vehicle, when a steering operation is performed on both of a first joystick lever and a second joystick lever to return to neutral positions after the steering operation, a lever which is always pivoted in an adduction direction is set to a function activation state, or a lever set to the function activation state during the steering operation is continuously maintained in the function activation state until the return to the neutral position is completed after the steering operation. In the present way, a user can more easily recognize the joystick lever in the function activation state.