Steering Column Pinch Detection Using Velocity Difference Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column adjustment systems lack effective pinch detection mechanisms, leading to potential driver discomfort and interference during electronic or autonomous adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for adjusting a steering column position that includes predicting and comparing the velocity of the column, determining if the predicted velocity exceeds the actual velocity, and generating a signal for pinch detection based on an accumulated difference exceeding a threshold, thereby filtering out impulse disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pinch detection mechanisms are added to steering column adjustment systems, then driver safety and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pinch detection mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses motor current sensing and velocity prediction algorithms. The controller monitors the relationship between commanded velocity and actual velocity to detect pinch conditions, eliminating the need for additional mechanical sensors or switches while achieving reliable pinch detection through software-based velocity comparison and threshold evaluation.
2Reliability
If velocity comparison and accumulated difference calculation are implemented, then pinch detection reliability is improved, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary velocity prediction based on commanded velocity before actual movement occurs, establishing an expected velocity profile in advance. This allows the controller to compare predicted velocity with actual velocity measurements in real-time during column adjustment, enabling rapid pinch detection without requiring complex post-processing or accumulated calculations over extended periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting a position of a steering column includes adjusting a position of the steering column, determining a predicted velocity of the steering column, determining whether the predicted velocity is greater than an actual velocity of the steering column, and generating a signal indicating whether pinching is detected based on the determination of whether the predicted velocity is greater than the actual velocity. Generating the signal includes determining whether the predicted velocity is greater than the actual velocity, in response to a determination that the predicted velocity is greater than the actual velocity, determining an accumulated difference between the predicted velocity and the actual velocity over at least one of a predetermined time period and a predetermined number of samples, and generating the signal based on a determination of whether the accumulated difference exceeds a threshold.