Dual Steering Levers for Fast Manual Override in Autonomous Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous driving systems may require driver intervention in environments where lane markings are absent, congested, or obstructed, necessitating a steering control system that allows for quick and accurate driver control while minimizing space occupation.

Innovation Solution

A steering control system with steering levers on both sides of the driver's seat, a mode selector, reaction force generator, and controller to switch between autonomous and manual driving modes, enabling precise driver steering and maximizing space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional steering wheel is used for manual driving, then the driver can control the vehicle direction, but the steering manipulator occupies excessive space in the vehicle cabin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver control capabilityVSAvoidsteering manipulator space occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The steering manipulator is segmented into a compact configuration with left and right steering levers positioned on opposite sides of the driver seat, replacing the traditional circular steering wheel structure. This segmentation allows the steering function to be distributed across multiple smaller components rather than one large component, reducing overall space occupation in the cabin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The steering control interface transitions from a two-dimensional circular plane (steering wheel) to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement where left and right steering levers are positioned at different locations relative to the driver seat. This dimensional change allows the steering manipulator to occupy less horizontal space while maintaining full steering control capability through vertical and depth positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of stationary object

If the steering manipulator is minimized for autonomous driving mode, then space utilization is maximized, but driver control responsiveness may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoiddriver control responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The steering manipulator incorporates a reaction force generator that dynamically adjusts the steering reaction force based on driver input and vehicle state. This dynamic response mechanism ensures that despite the compact size, the steering levers provide immediate and appropriate feedback to the driver, maintaining control responsiveness equivalent to or exceeding traditional steering wheels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical steering linkage with an electric steering system that includes a steering motor and reaction force generator. This substitution allows for more precise and faster control response while enabling a more compact manipulator design, as electronic actuation can achieve the same steering effect with smaller mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If steering levers are positioned on both sides of the driver seat, then control accuracy is improved, but the steering manipulator structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering control accuracyVSAvoidsteering manipulator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The left and right steering levers are designed as symmetric, interchangeable components with identical structures and functions. Each lever can independently provide steering input, and both are connected to the same steering mechanism. This universality allows the system to achieve enhanced control accuracy through multiple input points while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from asymmetric or differently configured steering elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables quick and accurate driver control of vehicle direction, while optimizing space usage by minimizing the steering manipulator's footprint during autonomous driving.

Implementation Method 1

a reaction force generator configured to generate a steering reaction force and a restoring reaction force in response to manipulation of the steering manipulator by the driver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReaction force: Reaction (physics)

Implementation Method 2

a controller configured to determine a target steering angle according to the manipulation of the steering manipulator by the driver and drive a steering motor according to the target steering angle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250346292A1Steering control system for vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 HL MANDO CORP

AI summary

Provided is a steering control system for a vehicle. Steering levers are provided in front or on both left and right sides of the driver's seat and a driver is allowed to manipulate the steering levers to change the direction of travel of the vehicle. Accordingly, the driver quickly and accurately controls the direction of travel of the vehicle as desired. Space utilization is also maximized by minimizing the space occupied by the steering manipulator within the vehicle in the autonomous driving mode.