Steering Assist Torque Control via Lateral Position Command

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lane keeping systems in autonomous mode often provide excessive steering assist torque, leading to objectionable variations in lateral acceleration and increased handwheel movement, which can disengage drivers and compromise vehicle stability.

Innovation Solution

A steering system that includes a lateral position module and a torque command module, determining assist torque based on the vehicle's lateral position command, near field heading angle, and curvature of the lane, to provide a more nuanced and controlled steering assist.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the lane keeping system provides excessive steering assist torque in autonomous mode, then the vehicle can maintain lane position automatically, but this creates objectionable variations in lateral acceleration and increased handwheel movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous lane keepingVSAvoidlateral acceleration variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the torque assist command based on the driver's handwheel activity. When handwheel activity exceeds a threshold, the system reduces or suspends torque assist to prevent excessive handwheel movement and lateral acceleration variations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain autonomous lane keeping while responding to driver inputs in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors handwheel activity and uses this feedback to modulate the torque assist command. By measuring the driver's steering inputs and adjusting the assist torque accordingly, the system creates a closed-loop control that prevents harmful lateral acceleration variations while maintaining automated lane positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If the lane keeping system provides excessive steering assist torque, then lane position maintenance is improved, but driver engagement in the driving process may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelane position controlVSAvoiddriver engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its level of intervention based on driver behavior. When the driver exhibits normal handwheel activity, the system provides minimal torque assist to maintain lane position. When handwheel activity becomes excessive, the system reduces assist torque, thereby encouraging the driver to take more active control and remain engaged in the driving process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the torque assist parameter based on detected handwheel activity levels. By monitoring steering inputs and adjusting the assist torque parameter in response, the system maintains precision lane positioning while adapting to driver engagement levels, ensuring the driver remains appropriately involved in the driving task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the system uses lateral acceleration for controlling torque assist in autonomous mode, then lane keeping functionality is enhanced, but handwheel movement increases beyond typical driver input

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelane keeping functionalityVSAvoidhandwheel movement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from handwheel activity sensors to modulate the torque assist command. By continuously monitoring the driver's steering inputs and adjusting the assist torque in real-time, the system maintains reliable lane keeping functionality while preventing excessive handwheel movement that would occur with fixed high-gain torque assist based solely on lateral acceleration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the torque assist parameter based on detected handwheel activity. When handwheel movement is within normal ranges, the system allows higher torque assist for responsive lane keeping. When handwheel movement becomes excessive, the system reduces the torque assist parameter, thereby maintaining lane keeping reliability while limiting abnormal handwheel movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9321481B2System for providing steering assist torque based on a lateral position command
Publication Date: 2016.04.26 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP
  • US9321481B2 patent drawing
  • US9321481B2 patent drawing
  • US9321481B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A steering system providing an assist torque to a handwheel is provided, and includes a lateral position module and a torque command module. The lateral position module determines a lateral position command based on a curvature of a lane and a near field heading angle. The torque command module determines the torque assist based on the lateral position command.