Steering Actuator for Haptic Lane Keeping Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lane-keeping systems in vehicles provide limited haptic feedback during lane departure warnings, making it difficult for drivers to perceive interventions promptly, and require additional components and costs when combined with lane departure warning systems.
Innovation Solution
The actuator element, typically a servomotor, is used to generate both steering torque for corrective steering and a vibrating signal on the steering wheel, with independent activation and adjustable timing, allowing for a multifunctional warning system that can be switched on or off by the driver, and adapted based on driving intentions and situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator element generates steering torque for corrective steering, then the lane keeping function is improved, but the haptic warning effect on the steering wheel remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator element is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates steering torque for corrective steering and simultaneously produces haptic warning effects through vibration. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both lane keeping reliability and haptic warning effectiveness, eliminating the need for separate warning devices
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator element generates mechanical vibrations in the steering wheel to provide haptic feedback to the driver. By controlling the actuator to produce vibrations at specific frequencies and intensities, the system creates a noticeable tactile warning that draws the driver's attention to lane departure conditions
2Ease of manufacture
If the intervention strength of the actuator element is increased to improve warning character, then the haptic feedback is enhanced, but the driver's ability to control steering is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator element's intervention strength is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The control device can adapt the intensity of steering torque and vibration based on driving conditions, ensuring that warnings are sufficiently strong to be noticed but not so strong as to prevent the driver from regaining steering control when needed
3Ease of manufacture
If a separate lane departure warning device is added to provide haptic warning, then the warning character is improved, but the device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator element serves dual purposes as both a steering assistance device and a haptic warning device. By making the existing actuator multifunctional, the system eliminates the need for separate warning components such as additional vibration motors or acoustic alarms, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The warning function is merged with the steering intervention function within the same actuator element. Instead of having separate systems for lane keeping and lane departure warning, the patent combines these functions into a unified actuator control system that manages both corrective steering and haptic feedback
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
Enhances the warning functionality by providing a clear, attention-grabbing vibration on the steering wheel when necessary, improving driver reaction time to potential lane departures while maintaining control over steering interventions, and allowing customization of warning times based on driving scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator element being switched via the control device in an operating mode that can be switched on and off by the driver depending on the detected relative position of the motor vehicle for lane delimitation can be controlled in such a way that a vibration can be felt on the steering wheel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The motor vehicle (1) comprises a steering unit operating on the front wheels (3) with a steering wheel, and a lane keeping unit, which has a control unit for determining the position of the motor vehicle. An actuator element (9) is provided, which is controlled by the control unit in an operation mode corresponding to the detected relative position of the motor vehicle to the lane boundary (15,16).