Steering-Based Gear Selection for Automatic Parking Direction Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle gear direction systems are unsuitable for automatic direction selection during vehicle operation, particularly during routine parking maneuvers, as they require driver confirmation through distracting and non-intuitive screen swipes, which can be hazardous in complex environments like parking lots with obstacles and traffic.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle system that uses a controller connected to steering, motor, and sensors to select driving directions based on steering angle patterns, allowing auto-shift without explicit driver direction input, using algorithms and AI to determine safe conditions for auto-direction changes, such as during parking, by analyzing speed, steering angle, and position data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a screen swipe interface is used for gear direction selection, then the vehicle can provide automated direction proposal based on sensor detection, but the driver experiences distraction and visual attention requirements that reduce safety during parking maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs direction selection automatically based on sensor-detected obstacles and vehicle context, without requiring driver intervention. The controller autonomously determines forward or reverse direction by analyzing obstacle positions relative to the vehicle path, making the system self-sufficient in the direction selection task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the screen swipe interface and direction selection controls from the system entirely. By extracting the manual direction indication mechanism, the system eliminates the associated driver distraction and visual attention requirements while maintaining automated direction proposal based on sensor data.
2Ease of operation
If manual direction selection via screen swipe is required, then the driver maintains control over direction choice, but the operation becomes non-intuitive and requires visual observation of small screen areas
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically determines the desired travel direction by analyzing sensor data about obstacles and vehicle context. The system serves itself by making direction decisions without requiring the driver to observe screen elements or perform swipe gestures, eliminating visual observation requirements entirely.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional shift stalks or touchscreen swipes are used for gear changes, then the system works for all driving conditions, but it cannot provide automated direction selection during vehicle operation except when stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its behavior based on vehicle operating conditions. Automated direction selection is enabled during stopped conditions when parking maneuvers are performed, while manual selection remains available during motion. The controller adjusts the level of automation based on the vehicle state and detected context.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle for operation by a driver has a frame with wheels and a motor connected to the frame. A steering control is connected to the wheels to establish a steering angle. A controller is operably connected to the steering control, to the motor, and to the wheels, and is operable to selectably drive the wheels in a forward direction in a drive mode and in a rearward direction in a reverse mode. The controller is operable to select a direction for driving the wheels in response to a pattern of steering angle movements, without operator indication of a direction.