Steering Angle Detection Position for Accurate Driver Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for providing a desired steering feel to vehicle drivers are inadequate due to inaccurate steering angle measurements, particularly when using elastic steering force transmitting elements like torsion bars, which can lead to incorrect steering feel and safety risks, especially under varying ground conditions.
Innovation Solution
Detecting the steering angle at the ground engaging member side of the elastic steering force transmitting element and using an actuator, such as an electric motor, to apply a guiding force based on the detected angle and current torque, ensuring accurate steering feel by compensating for angular displacement and frictional influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the steering angle is detected at the steering wheel side of the elastic steering force transmitting element, then the steering angle measurement is simpler, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to angular displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by detecting the steering angle at an intermediate position (ground engaging member side) rather than directly at the steering wheel or ground wheels. This intermediate detection point serves as a mediator that captures the actual steering angle affected by elastic deformation, enabling accurate measurement while maintaining system simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the elastic steering force transmitting element is made less stiff to reduce internal friction, then the steering feel is improved, but the angular displacement increases leading to inaccurate steering angle measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the steering angle at the ground engaging member side and using this information to adjust the guiding force applied by the actuator. The control unit receives the steering angle signal and modifies the actuator output accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for elastic deformation and maintains measurement accuracy while preserving the softer, more comfortable steering feel.
3Measurement precision
If the guiding force is increased to compensate for frictional forces, then the steering feel accuracy is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the guiding force adaptive rather than constant. The control unit dynamically adjusts the actuator output based on real-time steering angle detection and vehicle operating conditions. The guiding force is increased only when and where needed to compensate for friction, and reduced when not required, optimizing the balance between steering feel accuracy and energy consumption.
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
This method provides an improved and accurate steering feel by eliminating angular displacement errors and decoupling steering feel from frictional influences, enhancing driver safety and vehicle control across different road conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an element configured to allow a certain amount of twist about the steering axis (i.e. a circumferential displacement between an upper and a lower shaft of the steering arrangement), and may be formed by a torsion bar
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for assisting a driver of a vehicle during operation by providing the driver with a desired steering feel, wherein the vehicle includes a steering arrangement including a manually operated steering device, at least one pair of ground engaging members and a mechanical interconnection between the steering device and the ground engaging members. The method includes detecting a steering angle and determining a desired steering device guiding force based on the detected steering angle, providing the driver with the desired steering feel based on the desired steering device guiding force, and detecting the steering angle in a position at a ground engaging member side of an elastic steering force transmitting element in the steering arrangement.