Steering Assist Apparatus with Dynamic Transmission Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic steering systems cause driver discomfort due to the mismatch between vehicle movement and steering wheel movement, as the driver perceives significant left-right vehicle movement differently from steering wheel movement during automatic steering operations.
Innovation Solution
A steering assist apparatus with a differential operation mechanism, where the transmission ratio between steering angle change and turning angle change is adjusted based on the vehicle's running state or road information, allowing the system to operate with a different ratio in automatic mode compared to manual mode, thereby minimizing driver discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the steering apparatus is controlled to accomplish a determined turning angle based on running state or road information during automatic steering mode, then the automation level and productivity are improved, but the driver feels discomfort due to significant difference between vehicle movement and steering wheel movement
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission ratio between the steering input apparatus and steering apparatus is made dynamically adjustable based on the operating mode. In automatic steering mode, a first transmission ratio is determined that differs from the second transmission ratio in manual steering mode, allowing the steering wheel movement to be dynamically adapted to match vehicle behavior and eliminate driver discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission ratio parameter is changed between automatic and manual steering modes. By determining a first transmission ratio for automatic mode that is different from the second transmission ratio in manual mode, the system optimizes the steering wheel movement characteristics to prevent driver discomfort while maintaining automation benefits
2Ease of operation
If the steering apparatus operates with a fixed transmission ratio in manual steering mode, then the ease of operation and driver control are improved, but the steering wheel movement does not align with vehicle behavior during automatic steering
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed transmission ratio to a dynamic transmission ratio that adapts to the operating mode. The transmission ratio determining unit selects appropriate ratios based on whether manual or automatic steering is active, enabling the steering system to optimize performance for each mode rather than using a single fixed ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission ratio parameter is explicitly changed between operating modes. The system determines a first transmission ratio for automatic steering mode that differs from the second transmission ratio in manual mode, allowing optimization of steering wheel movement characteristics for each specific operating condition
Data Source
AI summary
A steering assist apparatus on a vehicle is provided, including a steering drive unit that drives a steering apparatus; a steering control unit that executes an automatic steering mode in which the steering drive unit is controlled such that a turning angle is determined based on at least either a running state of the vehicle or road information to accomplish the determined turning angle; and a transmission ratio determining unit that determines, based on at least either a running state of the vehicle or the road information, a first transmission ratio in the automatic steering mode to be a value different from a second transmission ratio in a manual steering mode in which the steering apparatus operates in accordance with the steering angle inputted via a steering input apparatus.