Steer-by-Wire Steering Input Switching Between Driving and Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Steer-by-wire steering systems in vehicles are not effectively utilized outside of real-world driving conditions, leading to disruption and potential distraction when used as input devices for simulations or games, and lack the ability to safely simulate driving scenarios without risking real-world hazards.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle with a steer-by-wire steering system is switchable between real and simulation modes, using a sensor device to detect manual inputs, generating control signals for either real-world steering actuators or simulation devices, which produce audio, video, and mechanical feedback to create immersive virtual driving experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the steering input device is used for simulation or entertainment purposes outside real-world driving, then the vehicle gains extended functionality and entertainment value, but the steering input device becomes disruptive and may cause driver distraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextended functionalityVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The steering input device is designed to dynamically change its function based on operating conditions. During real-world driving, it serves as a steering control device. During parking or when the vehicle is stationary, it can be switched to simulation or entertainment mode, allowing the same physical device to adapt to different operational contexts without causing distraction during active driving

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operating modes are segmented into distinct states: real-world driving mode and simulation/entertainment mode. The control system separates these functions temporally and contextually, ensuring that simulation functions are only active when the vehicle is stationary or in parking mode, thereby preventing driver distraction while maintaining extended functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the steering input device is used for simulation purposes, then training and entertainment value are enhanced, but real-world operation may be compromised due to mode switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation capabilityVSAvoidreal-world operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors vehicle operating conditions (such as whether the vehicle is moving or stationary) and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines the appropriate mode, ensuring that simulation functions are only activated when safe to do so, thereby maintaining reliability of real-world operation while enabling simulation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between the steering input device and the simulation/real-world operation modes. It mediates the switching between modes based on vehicle state, ensuring that transitions are safe and appropriate, thus protecting real-world operational reliability while enabling simulation functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle is switched to simulation mode, then extended use as a driving simulator is enabled, but real-world driving control is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulator functionalityVSAvoidmode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines and switches between simulation and real-world driving modes based on vehicle operating conditions without requiring manual intervention from the driver. The control system self-manages the mode transitions by monitoring vehicle state (moving vs. stationary), making the mode switching process seamless and easy to operate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 extended use of the vehicle as a driving simulator or entertainment platform, enhancing training and entertainment value while ensuring safety by preventing real-world operation during simulations.

Implementation Method 1

the steering input device includes a sensor device for detecting manual inputs and generates an electrical control signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensor detection and signal conversion:

Implementation Method 2

the steering input device has an electric feedback actuator that can be controlled to generate mechanical feedback

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric motor actuation:

Implementation Method 3

This signal then activates an electric steering actuator or steering gear, which is connected to at least one steerable wheel, to generate a steering angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric motor actuation:

Data Source

PatentEP4213132B1Motor vehicle and method for operating a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG
  • EP4213132B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4213132B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle with a steer-by-wire steering system (1) comprising a steering input device (3) from which at least one electric motor steering actuator (6) can be controlled, wherein the steering input device (3) includes a sensor device (4) for detecting manual inputs and has an electric motor feedback actuator (7) that can be controlled to generate mechanical feedback. To enable extended use outside of real-world driving, the invention proposes that the steering input device (3) be connectable to a simulation device (8) configured to be controlled by the sensor device (4) and to control the feedback actuator (7).