Steering Wheel Characteristic Curve Adaptation for Driver Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle steering systems with steer-by-wire technology can be uncomfortable and surprising for users due to unexpected changes in steering wheel characteristics during emergency or assisted driving situations, as users lack understanding and control over these changes.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a motor vehicle that adjusts the steering wheel characteristic based on recognized situations using data from driver assistance systems and sensor devices, allowing for the activation of special steering wheel characteristics that reduce or suppress steering wheel movement, making the steering experience more comfortable and understandable for the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the steering angle is automatically transferred to the steering wheel according to a stored characteristic curve, then the autonomous steering function is enabled, but the steering wheel movement becomes surprising and unpleasant for the occupant
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel characteristic curve is made dynamically adjustable based on user preferences. The system allows selection between multiple characteristic curves (e.g., first curve with full steering wheel movement, second curve with reduced movement) and can automatically switch between them based on detected situations such as parking maneuvers or emergency interventions, making the automation adaptive to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of steering wheel rotation angle relative to wheel angle by selecting different characteristic curves. When a parking situation is detected, the system can switch to a characteristic curve that reduces or suppresses steering wheel movement, thereby changing the operational parameters to improve user comfort during automated operations.
2Reliability
If the steering wheel characteristic is changed during emergency functions, then the steering control is optimized for the situation, but the user is caught off guard and surprised by the changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user through a display device that indicates when a special steering wheel characteristic is active and what situation has been detected. This feedback mechanism maintains user awareness and predictability while still allowing the system to optimize steering control for detected emergency or parking situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects situations in advance (such as parking maneuvers or emergency conditions) and prepares to switch to appropriate characteristic curves. By detecting the situation beforehand and indicating the upcoming change to the user, the system allows for smooth transitions rather than sudden unexpected changes in steering behavior.
3Ease of operation
If the steering wheel rotation is reduced during automatic steering, then the user comfort is improved, but the user loses understanding and control over the steering behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The display device provides continuous feedback to the user about the current steering characteristic curve status and the detected situation. This information feedback maintains user understanding of the steering behavior even when the steering wheel movement is reduced, as users can see what the system is doing and why.
Solution Approach 2:
The system offers dynamic control options where users can select their preferred characteristic curve and the system can automatically adjust based on situations. This dynamic adaptability allows users to maintain control and understanding by choosing their comfort level while still benefiting from automated steering assistance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle (10) which has a control unit (12) for electrically controlling an electromechanical coupling unit (14) of a steering system of the motor vehicle (10), wherein the control unit (12) controls the coupling unit (14) according to a steering wheel characteristic curve which relates a wheel steering angle (20) of wheels (22) of the motor vehicle (10) to a steering wheel rotation angle (26) assumed by a steering wheel (24) of the motor vehicle (10), wherein a normal steering wheel characteristic curve (S0) is provided as a standard setting of the steering wheel characteristic curve in the control unit (12).The procedure comprises the following steps: Detecting a potentially imminent situation of the motor vehicle (10) based on data that characterize a state of electronic devices (30) of the motor vehicle (10), in particular a driver assistance system (30a), and are received by the control unit (12) (S1); Checking whether the detected situation is associated with a special steering wheel characteristic curve provided to the control unit that differs from the normal steering wheel characteristic curve (S2); if the detected situation is associated with the provided special steering wheel characteristic curve, activating the special steering wheel characteristic curve (S3).