Steering Control Unit Collision Avoidance Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collision avoidance assistance devices cause uncomfortable feelings for drivers due to excessive steering control, leading to potential cancellation of the assistance system, either due to insufficient control amounts or excessive control exceeding the driver's holding force, and fail to effectively communicate the collision avoidance direction.
Innovation Solution
The system performs initial steering assistance by rotating the steering wheel by a control amount based on the driver's holding force for a duration determined by vehicle response characteristics, ensuring the driver recognizes the operation and direction, with the option to adjust the control amount and duration to prevent cancellation and minimize lateral acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the steering control amount by the system is increased to ensure collision avoidance, then the collision avoidance effectiveness is improved, but the driver may feel uncomfortable and the steering control may be cancelled
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary steering control during a first predetermined time period after collision risk is detected. This initial steering action prepares the vehicle for collision avoidance while allowing the driver time to react. The steering control amount is set to a first value during this period, which is less than the second value used after the time period expires, enabling gradual driver adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering control amount is dynamically adjusted based on the elapsed time since collision risk detection. During the first predetermined time period, the control amount is set to a first value that is smaller than the second value used after the time period. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to balance collision avoidance effectiveness with driver comfort and awareness.
2Ease of operation
If the steering control amount by the system is decreased to reduce uncomfortable feelings, then the driver comfort is improved, but the steering control may be cancelled under driver unconsciousness
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a two-stage steering control strategy. During the first predetermined time period, it applies a smaller first steering control amount that is less likely to cause driver discomfort or unconscious cancellation. After this time period expires, it transitions to a larger second steering control amount that ensures effective collision avoidance while the driver is fully aware of the system's action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial steering control (first value) during the initial time period instead of the full control amount (second value). This partial action is sufficient to begin the collision avoidance maneuver while minimizing driver discomfort and cancellation risk. The full control amount is applied afterward when the driver is more likely to recognize and accept the system's intervention.
3Loss of information
If the steering wheel is rotated by a large control amount to ensure collision avoidance, then the collision avoidance direction is clearly communicated to the driver, but excessive lateral acceleration occurs causing uncomfortable feelings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary steering control with a smaller control amount during the first predetermined time period. This initial action begins to communicate the collision avoidance direction to the driver while generating minimal lateral acceleration. After the time period expires, the system applies a larger control amount to complete the avoidance maneuver, by which time the driver has already perceived the intended direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering control amount transitions dynamically from a first value during the initial time period to a second value afterward. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to balance information communication (direction recognition) with physical comfort (lateral acceleration management) at different stages of the collision avoidance process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A collision avoidance assistance device configured to perform driver steering assistance to avoid a collision between a vehicle and an obstacle, the device includes a steering control unit configured to perform the steering assistance in a case where it is determined that there is a possibility of the collision between the vehicle and the obstacle. During a period from commencement of the steering assistance to elapsing of a first time determined by response characteristics of a lateral acceleration of the vehicle, the steering control unit is configured to rotate a steering wheel of the vehicle in a collision avoidance direction by a control amount determined based on a steering holding force of the driver.