Paddle Shift Pressure Sensor for Driver Awakening Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular awakening detection devices are complex and not economical, requiring multiple sensors and relying on skin temperature measurements that are slow to determine driver awakening, leading to potential discomfort and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular awakening detection device using a paddle shift with integrated pressure sensors, where the driver operates paddle shifts on the steering wheel, and the resistance values are analyzed to determine awakening levels based on operation speed and force, providing a simple and economical configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature sensors and infrared sensors are attached to a handle frame and driver's seat to detect skin temperature, then awakening detection can be performed, but the configuration becomes complicated and it is not economical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single pressure sensor located on the steering wheel. Instead of using separate temperature sensors and infrared sensors, the invention uses a pressure sensor to detect both the presence and operational characteristics of the driver, thereby simplifying the overall sensor configuration while maintaining awakening detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor on the steering wheel serves multiple functions: detecting driver presence, monitoring operational force, measuring operation speed, and determining awakening state. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors, reducing system complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If temperature sensors are used to detect skin temperature for awakening determination, then awakening detection is possible, but it takes a considerable amount of time until the awakening determination is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal measurement (skin temperature detection) with mechanical measurement (pressure and force detection). The pressure sensor on the steering wheel detects mechanical parameters such as operation force and operation speed, which provide immediate feedback about driver alertness without the time delay associated with temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pressure and operational parameters on the steering wheel, maintaining readiness to detect awakening state changes. By using real-time mechanical parameter monitoring rather than waiting for temperature changes, the system can immediately determine awakening state when operational characteristics change.
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 reliable determination of driver awakening states with a simple configuration, reducing complexity and time to detection, thus effectively addressing drowsy driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure sensor preferably includes a variable resistor of which the resistance value is changed in accordance with the operation
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular awakening detection device 10 includes pressure sensors 48 provided in a + side paddle shift 46R and/or a − side paddle shift 46L which is able to be operated by a driver in a vehicle. The pressure sensor 48 is used for determining the degrees of awakening of a driver by making the driver to operate the + side paddle shift 46R and/or the − side paddle shift 46L.