Retrofit Steering Interface for Manual-Autonomous Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous vehicle retrofit systems require modification of the vehicle, such as dismantling the dashboard and steering column, which is not feasible in safety-critical environments like mining sites, limiting the integration of non-autonomous vehicles into autonomous operations.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle control arrangement that includes a mechanical interface between the steering wheel and column, drive units, a detector, and a controller, allowing for autonomous and manual steering without modifying the vehicle, using electromechanical motors and torque sensors for detection and control, and a brake assembly with redundant actuators for safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional autonomous vehicle retrofit systems are implemented, then autonomous control capability is achieved, but vehicle modification (dismantling dashboard and steering column) is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous control capabilityVSAvoidvehicle modification requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A mechanical interface device is introduced as an intermediary component between the existing steering column and steering wheel. This interface includes a detector that senses manual steering input and a drive unit that provides autonomous steering torque, allowing autonomous control to be achieved without modifying the vehicle's original steering column or dashboard structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The steering control system is segmented into independent functional modules: the existing steering column remains unchanged, the steering wheel remains unchanged, and a separate controllable interface device is inserted between them. This segmentation allows autonomous functionality to be added without compromising the integrity of the original vehicle structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Extent of automation

If mechanical coupling mechanisms are used to interface with the steering column, then autonomous steering control is achieved, but dismantling of dashboard and steering column is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous steering controlVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical interface device serves as a mediator that couples to the steering column through existing mounting points without requiring dismantling. The detector and drive unit are integrated within this interface housing, providing autonomous steering control while simplifying installation to merely mounting the interface device and connecting electrical harnesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If torque sensors and electromechanical motors are integrated into the steering interface, then seamless transition between manual and autonomous control is achieved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol transition smoothnessVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detector (torque sensor) and drive unit (electromechanical motor) are merged into a single integrated mechanical interface device housing. This consolidation allows the controller to seamlessly manage transitions between manual and autonomous control by coordinating the detector and drive unit through a unified control architecture, reducing the perceived complexity despite the advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 retrofitting conventional vehicles for autonomous operation without altering the dashboard or steering column, ensuring safety and ease of integration into existing autonomous systems, facilitating alternating between manual and autonomous control.

Implementation Method 1

a detector arranged in register with said mechanical interface and configured to detect manual interaction with the steering wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque sensing: Torque

Implementation Method 2

at least two drive units each configured to selectively engage with said mechanical interface upon activation for actuating the steering column shaft to steer the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250313187A1Vehicle control arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 MOHIDEEN FARLIN ANOOZ

AI summary

A vehicle control arrangement includes a mechanical interface configured to be interposed between an existing steering wheel column shaft and steering wheel of a vehicle. The arrangement includes at least two drive units, each configured to selectively engage with said mechanical interface upon activation for actuating the steering column shaft to steer the vehicle. Also included are a detector arranged in register with said mechanical interface and configured to detect manual interaction with the steering wheel, and a controller arranged in signal communication with the detector and drive units, the controller configured to, when autonomous control is selected, engage and control at least one drive unit to effect autonomous steering of the vehicle, and when manual interaction is detected, to disengage said drive units. In this manner, a vehicle is retrofittable with said control arrangement to facilitate alternating between autonomous and manual control, as required.