Dynamic Steering Ratio Control for Maneuvering Scenarios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles with drive-by-wire steering systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately controlling vehicle maneuvers, particularly in scenarios like parallel parking, reverse parking, and trailer maneuvering, where precise steering ratios are required.
Innovation Solution
A computer system in the vehicle identifies the current maneuvering scenario using data from sensors, including location data and steering wheel rotations exceeding a threshold, and adjusts the steering ratio accordingly to enhance vehicle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed steering ratio is used in drive-by-wire steering systems, then the system structure is simple, but the maneuvering accuracy and efficiency deteriorate in complex scenarios like parallel parking and reverse parking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed steering ratio to a dynamic, scenario-dependent steering ratio. The system identifies different maneuvering scenarios (parallel parking, reverse parking, trailer maneuvering, etc.) and adjusts the steering ratio accordingly. This allows the steering system to adapt its characteristics in real-time based on the detected scenario, improving maneuvering accuracy without requiring a completely complex restructured system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the steering ratio parameter based on the identified maneuvering scenario. Different scenarios have different optimal steering ratios - for example, parallel parking may require a higher steering ratio for more precise control, while normal driving uses a lower ratio for responsiveness. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing accuracy for each scenario without permanently complicating the system structure.
2Productivity
If the steering ratio is adjusted for different maneuvering scenarios, then the maneuvering efficiency improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining multiple maneuvering scenarios and their corresponding optimal steering ratios. When a scenario is detected, the system quickly switches to the pre-determined steering ratio for that scenario. This approach improves maneuvering efficiency by avoiding real-time calculations while the scenario detection and switching mechanisms add only moderate control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from scenario detection (based on sensor data, steering angle, vehicle speed, and location) to automatically select and adjust the appropriate steering ratio. This closed-loop feedback mechanism improves maneuvering efficiency by ensuring the correct steering ratio is applied, while the automation of this process prevents excessive complexity in the control system.
3Manufacturing precision
If a high steering ratio is used for precise control, then the maneuvering accuracy improves, but the steering effort required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the steering ratio parameter dynamically based on the maneuvering scenario. During precise maneuvering operations like parallel parking, a higher steering ratio is applied to improve control precision. During normal driving or less precise maneuvers, a lower steering ratio is used to reduce steering effort and maintain responsiveness. This resolves the contradiction by applying high precision only when and where it is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different steering ratio characteristics to different operational contexts. Instead of using a uniformly high steering ratio that would increase effort in all situations, the system applies high steering ratio locally only during specific maneuvering scenarios where precision is critical, while using lower ratios in other contexts where effort reduction is beneficial.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle maneuvering scenario can be identified based on data from vehicle sensors including at least one of (a) a location of the vehicle, or (b) data indicating that a first steering wheel rotation in a first direction and a second steering wheel rotation in a second direction each exceed a rotation threshold. A steering ratio can be determined based on the vehicle maneuvering scenario. Vehicle steering can then be actuated according to the steering ratio.