Reverse Polarity Steering for Precise Trailer Backing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems, particularly when towing trailers, require operators to remove their hands from the handwheel for precise control, leading to difficulty in transitioning to reverse maneuvers due to poor resolution and lack of tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables reverse directional polarity steering by using a steer-by-wire (SbW) system to decouple the handwheel from roadwheels, allowing hands-on control and improved input resolution through polarity reversal of roadwheel actuators, providing tactile feedback and engaging the reverse mode at low speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional steering system is used when towing trailers, then the operator can steer the vehicle, but the operator must remove hands from the handwheel for precise control resulting in poor resolution and lack of tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical connection between handwheel and roadwheels with an electronic control system (steer-by-wire). The handwheel actuator includes a motor and sensor that detect handwheel position and translate it to roadwheel actuator commands, eliminating the need for direct mechanical coupling while maintaining control precision through electronic feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the handwheel actuator and roadwheel actuator. The controller receives handwheel position data, determines appropriate roadwheel adjustments based on vehicle state (gear, speed), and commands the roadwheel actuator accordingly, enabling decoupled control while preserving tactile feedback through force feedback mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If the handwheel is mechanically connected to roadwheels, then tactile feedback is provided, but the operator must remove hands from the handwheel for precise control during trailer backing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling with an electronic control system that can provide precise control while maintaining handwheel contact. The system uses sensors to detect handwheel position and motors to actuate roadwheels, enabling high-precision control without requiring mechanical rigidity that would limit operator contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors detect handwheel position and roadwheel position, and the controller uses this information to provide force feedback to the handwheel. This closed-loop feedback system maintains tactile feedback while enabling precise control through electronic actuation rather than direct mechanical connection.
3Ease of operation
If a steer-by-wire system is used to decouple handwheel from roadwheels, then hands-on control is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the controller to perform multiple functions: it manages the steer-by-wire control, monitors vehicle state (gear selection, vehicle speed), determines when to apply reverse polarity steering, and provides force feedback. This multi-functionality consolidates control logic into a single unit, reducing overall system complexity despite the added electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the handwheel actuator control, roadwheel actuator control, and vehicle state monitoring into an integrated steer-by-wire system managed by a single controller. This consolidation reduces the number of separate control units and simplifies system architecture compared to having independent systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing reverse directional polarity steering in a vehicle includes, in response to receiving a reverse position polarity steering mode signal indicating selection of a reverse position polarity steering mode: determining a selected gear of a transmission of the vehicle; determining a vehicle speed; and, in response to a determination that the selected gear includes a reverse gear and the vehicle speed is within a range of a predetermined vehicle speed, selectively controlling at least one roadwheel actuator of the vehicle in a direction opposite to a direction indicated by a handwheel actuator associated with a handwheel of the vehicle.