Dual Joystick Steering Feedback Using Armrest Pressure Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual joystick steering systems suffer from steering instability due to unintentional inputs caused by driver inclination and misalignment, leading to increased driver fatigue and reduced steering sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A dual joystick steering system with left and right joysticks configured to rotate about rotary shafts, featuring feedback actuators and a controller that applies same-directional reaction torque and steering angle variation, along with pressure sensors to detect arm support pressures, ensuring reliable steering inputs are prioritized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force feedback is provided to the joystick to maintain vehicle posture, then steering control accuracy is improved, but driver fatigue increases during long-time driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the force feedback function from the primary steering control path by introducing a separate feedback actuator that provides reaction torque independently. This allows the main joystick operation to remain lightweight while still achieving accurate steering control through the feedback mechanism, thereby reducing driver fatigue while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the feedback actuator continuously adjusts the joystick position based on the difference between the target steering angle and actual steering angle. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate steering control while the actuator handles the physical effort, preventing driver fatigue.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the joystick is positioned to provide steering stability, then vehicle control is improved, but driver unintentional input increases due to body inclination during lateral acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback actuators to actively compensate for unintentional joystick movements caused by driver body inclination. The system detects deviations from the intended steering input and applies corrective reaction torque through the feedback actuator, maintaining steering stability while preventing erroneous inputs from affecting vehicle control.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback actuator applies preliminary counteracting force to prevent unintentional joystick movement from translating into erroneous steering commands. By detecting the driver's intended steering angle and comparing it with actual joystick position, the system preemptively corrects deviations before they affect vehicle control.
3Speed
If joystick geometry is adjusted to improve steering sensitivity, then steering response is enhanced, but steering stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of steering sensitivity through the feedback actuator, which can adjust the reaction torque based on driving conditions. The system varies the feedback force dynamically - providing stronger feedback during stable driving conditions for precision, and adjusting during lateral acceleration to maintain stability - thereby achieving both responsive steering and stability without geometric modifications.
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 system enhances steering stability by preventing unintentional inputs and improving reliability, maintaining consistent steering direction and reducing driver fatigue through active control mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
feedback actuators configured to provide reaction torque and a steering angle variation to the left and right joysticks
Implementation Method 2
pressure sensors configured to detect support pressures of a driver's arms operating the joysticks
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a method of controlling a dual joystick steering system for a vehicle includes receiving, by first and second joysticks disposed at first and second sides of a driver seat, steering inputs, detecting, by pressure sensors, support pressures of arms of a driver on armrests associated with the first and second joysticks, determining reliability of the steering inputs from the first and second joysticks based on the detected support pressures and vehicle driving conditions, generating a target steering angle based on steering inputs and the determined reliability and controlling feedback actuators to selectively increase reaction torque to the first and second joysticks based on the steering inputs and the determined reliability.