Steering Wheel Hand Detection via Torsion Bar Torque Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanically assisted steering systems in motor vehicles require additional sensors to detect the presence of a driver's hands on the steering wheel, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mathematical model to estimate the torque and counter-torque on the steering system's torsion bar, employing existing sensors like torque and angle sensors, and a Kalman Filter to determine if the driver's hands are on the wheel without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional sensors are installed on the steering wheel to detect hand presence, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing torque and angle sensors perform an additional function (hand presence detection) beyond their original purpose. By processing the normal operational data from these sensors through a mathematical model and Kalman filter, the system detects hand presence without requiring dedicated detection sensors, thus achieving multi-functionality with existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing sensor system serves itself by providing data for both steering control and hand presence detection. The torque and angle sensors continue their primary function while simultaneously generating data that, when processed through the mathematical model, reveals hand presence information, eliminating the need for separate detection systems.
2Reliability
If additional sensors are installed on the steering wheel to detect hand presence, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing torque and angle sensors perform an additional function (hand presence detection) beyond their original purpose. By processing the normal operational data from these sensors through a mathematical model and Kalman filter, the system detects hand presence without requiring dedicated detection sensors, thus achieving multi-functionality with existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing sensor system serves itself by providing data for both steering control and hand presence detection. The torque and angle sensors continue their primary function while simultaneously generating data that, when processed through the mathematical model, reveals hand presence information, eliminating the need for separate detection systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If torque and angle data from existing sensors are processed through a mathematical model, then additional detection functionality is achieved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mathematical model and Kalman filter as intermediary processing layers between the existing sensors and the hand presence detection function. These intermediaries transform normal sensor data into meaningful hand presence indicators, adding detection versatility while keeping the complexity managed through standardized algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The Kalman filter implements a feedback mechanism that continuously refines the hand presence detection by comparing predicted torque/angle values with actual measurements. This feedback loop improves detection accuracy while systematically managing calculation complexity through iterative optimization rather than complex one-time computations.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for detecting the presence of a driver's hands on the steering wheel is described. By a mathematical model, at least one part of a steering system of the motor vehicle is modeled. In addition, a rotational angle of a lower end and/or an upper end of a torsion bar of the steering system is determined. A torque acting on the torsion bar is determined by a measuring device. A sum of a torque with which the driver acts on the steering wheel and a counter-torque generated by friction in the upper part of the steering system is estimated by a Kalman Filter. In addition, the counter-torque is estimated, and the estimated sum of the torque and the counter-torque are used to determine whether the driver's hands are on the steering wheel.