Road Shoulder Exit Control for μ-Split Steering Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance systems fail to reliably prevent transportation vehicles from skidding or oversteering when driving on a road shoulder due to μ-split situations, where wheels on different surfaces experience varying friction coefficients, leading to potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the steering intensity of a driver's manual maneuver, classify it, and perform automatic interventions in vehicle control based on assigned steering codes to quickly, safely, and reliably terminate driving on the road shoulder by differentiating driver reactions and intervening accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the driver performs excessive steering, braking, or acceleration maneuvers to correct μ-split situations, then the vehicle can be steered back onto the roadway, but the driver may lose control over the vehicle or drive further than intended in the direction of the opposite side of the road
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors wheel speeds, steering angle, and vehicle position to detect μ-split situations in real-time. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts braking force and steering assistance to correct the vehicle's position without causing overcorrection or loss of control. The system provides continuous feedback to the driver through warnings and progressive interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes key operational parameters (braking force distribution, steering angle limits, acceleration restrictions) based on the detected μ-split condition. By dynamically adjusting these parameters rather than applying fixed corrections, the system achieves reliable vehicle control while preventing excessive maneuvers that could lead to oversteering or loss of control.
2Reliability
If known driver assistance systems (e.g., ESC systems) are used to prevent skidding or oversteering, then some level of safety is provided, but these systems cannot prevent the transportation vehicle from skidding or oversteering in every situation, particularly if the driver exhibits intensive reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, pre-programmed ESC responses to dynamic, real-time adjustments based on actual vehicle conditions and driver behavior. The control unit continuously adapts braking force distribution and steering assistance levels according to the specific μ-split situation and driver reaction intensity, enabling the system to handle a broader range of scenarios effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer between the driver's intensive reactions and the vehicle's physical response. The control unit acts as a mediator that modulates the connection between driver input and vehicle output, preventing direct transmission of excessive steering or braking commands that could cause loss of control, while still allowing the driver to maintain agency over the vehicle.
3Loss of information
If optical driver assistance systems based on cameras are used to detect lane marking lines or roadway edges, then lane departure warning can be provided, but these systems cannot reliably detect lane markings or roadway edges in every situation
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple detection approaches: optical camera-based lane marking detection is combined with inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and wheel speed sensors. This fusion of detection methods compensates for the weaknesses of individual systems - cameras provide roadway edge information while inertial sensors detect μ-split conditions through vehicle dynamics, creating a more reliable overall detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multi-functional sensors that serve multiple purposes. For example, wheel speed sensors used for ABS control also detect μ-split conditions; inertial sensors used for stability control also detect unusual vehicle dynamics indicating shoulder driving. This universal approach reduces the need for specialized detection equipment while improving reliability across diverse situations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for terminating driving on the road shoulder by a transportation vehicle includes detection by a detection unit that the transportation vehicle is situated at least partially on a road shoulder, determination of a steering intensity of a manual steering maneuver, and assignment of one of at least two predetermined steering codes to the steering maneuver by a computing unit as a function of the steering intensity. An automatic intervention into a transportation vehicle control is carried out as a function of the assigned steering code.