Steering Wheel Movement Cues for Autonomous Steer-By-Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with steer-by-wire systems, the lack of a mechanical link between the steering wheel and the steering gear during autonomous driving leads to a lack of indication of vehicle movements, causing discomfort to occupants due to the absence of intuitive steering cues.
Innovation Solution
A method for moving a steering device in vehicles with steer-by-wire systems, using data processing to generate intuitive movement patterns of the steering device based on autonomous driving operations, such as turns, to inform occupants about the vehicle's actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a steer-by-wire system is used without a mechanical link, then the steering wheel remains stationary during autonomous driving, but this causes a lack of indication of vehicle movements leading to occupant discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that generates synthetic steering wheel movements based on autonomous driving operations. This intermediary mechanism creates artificial steering cues that mediate between the automated steering gear and the occupant's perception, providing tactile feedback without requiring a direct mechanical link. The system uses actuators to move the steering wheel according to predefined patterns that correspond to vehicle maneuvers, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and occupant comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional direct mechanical linkage system with an electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators. Instead of a continuous mechanical connection between the steering wheel and steering gear, the system uses electronic signals and programmed movement patterns to replicate the sensation of steering. This substitution allows autonomous driving operations while maintaining tactile feedback through electronically controlled steering wheel movements.
2Productivity
If the steering wheel is not moved during autonomous driving, then the steer-by-wire system operates efficiently, but no indication of autonomous driving actions is given to occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the steering operations that would normally occur with a mechanical link. The system generates virtual steering wheel movement patterns that replicate the tactile feedback and directional information occupants would expect. These copied movements are produced by actuators that move the steering wheel according to algorithms that mirror traditional steering behavior, thus preserving information about vehicle maneuvers without requiring actual mechanical steering transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors autonomous driving operations and generates corresponding steering wheel movements as tactile feedback. The feedback loop processes vehicle state data, determines appropriate steering cues, and actuates the steering wheel accordingly. This feedback provides occupants with real-time information about autonomous driving actions, maintaining the information flow that would otherwise be lost in a pure steer-by-wire system.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical steering column is used, then intuitive steering cues are provided to occupants, but the system complexity increases and autonomous driving operations become less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical steering column structure with a simplified electronic system consisting of sensors, control units, and actuators. Instead of using a continuous mechanical transmission system, the invention uses discrete electronic components that can be more easily integrated into autonomous vehicle architectures. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the essential function of providing steering feedback to occupants through electronically controlled wheel movements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method (10) for moving a steering device (2) of a vehicle (1), the vehicle (1) comprising a steer-by-wire system (7) for steering the vehicle (1), and the method (10) comprising: - obtaining first data indicative of an autonomous driving operation to be carried out by the vehicle (1); and - obtaining second data indicative of a movement pattern (MP) for moving the steering device (2) based on the first data.