Steering Column Locking Mechanism for Autonomous Mode Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous driving systems face challenges in seamlessly transitioning vehicle control between autonomous and driver-operated modes, particularly in ensuring the steering system is securely decoupled during autonomous operation to prevent accidental driver input.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly with a locking mechanism that includes a shaft lock sleeve and a jacket sleeve, allowing the steering wheel to be decoupled from the steering mechanism when the autonomous driving system is activated, preventing driver input while enabling the vehicle to maintain directional control through the second shaft assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the steering wheel is decoupled from the steering mechanism during autonomous operation, then driver input is prevented and autonomous control is ensured, but the steering system complexity increases due to the locking assembly and multiple shaft assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column assembly is divided into a first shaft assembly (10) for driver input and a second shaft assembly (20) for autonomous control, with a locking assembly (30) to selectively couple or decouple them. This segmentation allows independent operation of driver and autonomous modes while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly (30) acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first shaft assembly and second shaft assembly. It selectively engages or disengages the connection between driver input and steering mechanism, enabling reliable autonomous control while preventing accidental driver input during autonomous operation.
2Reliability
If the locking assembly is engaged to prevent rotation of the first shaft, then accidental driver input is prevented during autonomous operation, but the ease of operation decreases due to the additional locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly (30) is designed to dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states based on operational mode. During autonomous operation, it engages to prevent rotation of the first shaft (10), while during driver operation, it disengages to allow normal steering. This dynamic behavior ensures reliability without permanently compromising ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first shaft assembly is movable relative to the second shaft assembly between extended and retracted positions, then the steering system adaptability is improved for different driving modes, but the device complexity increases due to the movable shaft assembly configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column assembly is segmented into a first shaft assembly (10) that can move relative to a second shaft assembly (20). This segmentation enables the first shaft assembly to be positioned in an extended position for driver operation or a retracted position for autonomous operation, providing adaptability to different driving modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable first shaft assembly (10) serves multiple functions: it transmits driver input when extended, allows autonomous control when retracted, and can be locked in either position. This multi-functionality provides adaptability to different operating modes while managing the complexity through a unified mechanical design.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes a first shaft assembly, a second shaft assembly, and a locking assembly. The first shaft assembly has a first shaft. The second shaft assembly has a second shaft that is at least partially received within the first shaft. The locking assembly is disposed about at least one of the first shaft and the second shaft and is arranged to inhibit rotation of at least one of the first shaft and the second shaft.