Steering Assistance Control for Non-Circular Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicular steering wheels with a circular shape require substantial angular adjustments for maneuvers, leading to discomfort when transitioning to non-circular designs due to the need for different gripping techniques, and existing non-circular options have not been widely adopted.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of programmable circuitry to adjust the relationship between steering wheel displacement and steerable wheel displacement, allowing for reduced angular rotation of the steering wheel to perform sharp turns, such as a 90° turn requiring only approximately 90° of steering wheel rotation, by adjusting the steering ratio and gear engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a non-circular steering wheel design is implemented, then the angular rotation required for sharp turns is reduced, but the driver comfort and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for different gripping techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system dynamically adjusts the steering ratio based on detected driver intent and vehicle state. The programmable circuitry modifies the relationship between steering wheel rotation and wheel rotation in real-time, providing variable assistance that adapts to different maneuvering scenarios, thereby maintaining comfort while enabling efficient sharp turns with non-circular wheels
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the steering assistance parameter (steering ratio) dynamically. By adjusting the amount of power steering assistance based on steering wheel angular displacement and vehicle operating conditions, the system optimizes the balance between turning efficiency and driver comfort for non-circular steering wheel designs
2Ease of operation
If traditional circular steering wheel design is used, then driver comfort is maintained, but the angular adjustment required for sharp turns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamically adjustable steering assistance that responds to the driver's steering inputs and vehicle state. This allows the system to optimize the steering ratio during sharp turning maneuvers, enabling faster angular adjustments for improved turning efficiency while maintaining the benefits of traditional circular steering wheel design
3Ease of operation
If power steering assistance is increased, then the effort required to turn the steering wheel is reduced, but the responsiveness and direct feedback to the driver decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power steering assistance parameter based on steering wheel angular displacement, vehicle speed, and detected maneuver type. By varying the assistance level in real-time, the system provides reduced effort during normal operation while maintaining direct feedback and responsiveness during critical maneuvering situations
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to control steering assistance are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a steering wheel, a steerable wheel operatively coupled to the steering wheel, and programmable circuitry to identify a first angular displacement of the steering wheel, cause the steerable wheel to have a second angular displacement corresponding to the first angular displacement of the steering wheel at a first time, and cause the steerable wheel to have a third angular displacement corresponding to the first angular displacement of the steering wheel at a second time different from the first time, the third angular displacement different from the second angular displacement.