Electronic Turn Signal Control via Steering and Lane Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic turn signal control devices for vehicles require manual manipulation, leading to noise and inconvenience, especially when erroneous signals are applied, and do not automatically adjust to driving situations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for an electronic multifunction switch that includes a multifunction switch, a steering angle provision device, a path provision device, a lane information provision device, and a controller to automatically control the turn signal light based on vehicle steering angle, path, and lane information, allowing for auto-on and auto-off functionalities without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation is required for turn signal control, then the driver can precisely control the signal, but manipulation noise increases and convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects driving situations (turning, lane changing) using sensors and autonomously controls the turn signal without requiring manual manipulation by the driver, thereby eliminating manipulation noise and improving convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual switch operation with an electronic automatic control system that uses sensors, controllers, and algorithms to detect driving intentions and control turn signals electronically, eliminating mechanical manipulation noise
2Object-generated harmful factors
If automatic turn signal control is implemented, then manipulation noise is reduced, but the system may generate erroneous signals without precise driver intent
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and verification of driving intentions using multiple sensors (steering angle, lane position, turning detection) before activating the turn signal, ensuring accurate signal generation and preventing erroneous activation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors driving parameters and provides feedback to verify whether the detected situation warrants turn signal activation, allowing real-time correction and preventing erroneous signals while maintaining high reliability
3Reliability
If the driver must manually release an erroneous direction change signal, then signal accuracy is maintained, but time is lost and convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and corrects erroneous turn signal activation by monitoring driving parameters in real-time and autonomously deactivating the signal when the driving situation does not match the activated signal, eliminating the need for manual intervention and time loss
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a turn signal for an electronic multifunction switch includes a multifunction switch equipped with a turn switch; a steering angle provision device configured to provide information about a steering angle of a vehicle; a path provision device configured to provide information about a location and a path of the vehicle; a lane information provision device configured to provide information about lanes around the vehicle; and a controller configured to receive manipulation state information of the multifunction switch, the steering angle information from the steering angle provision device, the path information from the path provision device, and the lane information from the lane information provision device, and to control a blinking state of a turn signal light of the vehicle.