Steering Column Sensor for Autonomous Mode Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous driving assisted steering systems require a mechanism to seamlessly transfer control between human drivers and autonomous systems, ensuring safe operation and energy absorption during vehicle impacts.
Innovation Solution
A steering assembly with a locking mechanism that decouples the steering shafts when transitioning from a driver-operated position to an autonomous mode, utilizing a sensor assembly to detect position features and facilitate the disengagement process, allowing the steering column to collapse and absorb kinetic energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steering column assembly is made movable between stowed and un-stowed positions for autonomous operation, then the adaptability of the steering system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the locking assembly and sensor mechanisms required
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column assembly is divided into separate shaft segments (first shaft, second shaft) that can be selectively coupled or decoupled. The locking assembly is segmented into a shaft sleeve and sensor assembly, allowing independent functionality of each component while working together to achieve the overall adaptability goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft sleeve is disposed about the first shaft, creating a nested structure where the locking mechanism is integrated within the steering column assembly. The sensor assembly is disposed within the second jacket, nesting the detection mechanism within the structural housing. This nesting reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate mounting structures.
2Reliability
If the locking assembly selectively decouples the shafts during transition to stowed position, then the safety during autonomous operation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to automated control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly automatically detects the position of the position feature on the shaft sleeve and triggers the locking mechanism without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the coupling and decoupling of shafts based on the steering column assembly's position, ensuring safety during autonomous operation while maintaining operational simplicity for the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly provides continuous feedback about the position of the shaft sleeve relative to the sensor assembly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the locking assembly only decouples or couples the shafts at the appropriate positions, maintaining safety during transitions between driver and autonomous modes without requiring complex manual control sequences.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor assembly detects position features to facilitate shaft disengagement, then the measurement precision of shaft position is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensing components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly serves multiple functions: it detects the position of the shaft sleeve, triggers the locking mechanism, and provides feedback for the control system. The position feature on the shaft sleeve serves as both a mechanical reference point and a detection target. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, achieving high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe transfer of control between human and autonomous systems, ensuring the vehicle can operate autonomously while maintaining the ability to absorb energy during impacts, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor assembly is arranged to detect a position of the position feature relative to the sensor assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes first jacket, a second jacket, and a locking assembly. The first jacket is disposed about a first shaft. The second jacket is at least partially received within the first jacket. The second jacket is disposed about a second shaft that is selectively coupled to the first shaft. The locking assembly includes a shaft sleeve and a sensor assembly. The shaft sleeve is disposed about the first shaft and has a position feature. The sensor assembly is disposed within the second jacket and is operatively connected to a jacket sleeve. The sensor assembly is arranged to detect a position of the position feature relative to the sensor assembly.