Steering Handle Coupling for Automated Vehicle Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated driving systems face challenges in safely and quickly distinguishing between driver-controlled and automated lateral guidance of vehicles, often relying on steering torque or force, which can lead to unintentional operation or delayed takeover during automated driving.
Innovation Solution
A steering handle device that determines the degree of coupling between the driver and the vehicle through haptic contact, allowing for intermediate states and adaptive coupling based on predetermined criteria, such as turning angles or force levels, to ensure safe and intelligent interaction between the driver and automated systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steering torque or force is used to distinguish between driver-controlled and automated lateral guidance, then the system can detect driver input, but unintentional operation or delayed takeover may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from detecting only steering torque to detecting multiple parameters including steering angle, steering speed, and steering acceleration. This multi-parameter approach enables more accurate distinction between intentional driver input and unintentional movements, while the steering angle threshold mechanism allows rapid mode switching without delayed takeover
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary decoupling mechanism between the steering handle and wheel angle adjuster. This intermediary component can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on driving mode, providing a physical buffer that prevents unintentional operation during automated driving while enabling quick handover when needed
2Reliability
If steering torque is used for driver input detection, then driver control can be recognized, but accidental operation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system expands detection from single-parameter torque sensing to multi-parameter monitoring including steering angle, steering speed, and steering acceleration. By analyzing combinations of these parameters against predefined thresholds, the system can distinguish intentional driver commands from accidental movements with higher reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary threshold setting for steering angle and steering speed before triggering automated driving mode or manual takeover. These pre-established thresholds act as safety filters that prevent accidental mode switching while allowing genuine driver intent to be recognized
3Reliability
If steering torque is used to detect driver intent, then manual control can be identified, but the distinction between manual and automated modes may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors multiple parameters simultaneously (steering angle, steering speed, steering acceleration) rather than relying solely on torque detection. This enables faster and more accurate determination of driver intent, reducing mode switching delay while maintaining reliable distinction between manual and automated modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback monitoring of steering parameters with predefined thresholds. When parameters exceed these thresholds, the system immediately triggers mode transition, creating a rapid feedback loop that reduces switching time while maintaining accurate mode detection
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device, an operating method, and a corresponding computer program for controlling a vehicle which can be driven in an at least partly automated manner, comprising an operating element which can be operated by a driver for controlling at least the lateral guidance of the vehicle and a wheel angle adjuster which is actuated by the operating element of the driver and/or by an electronic control unit that controls the automated lateral guidance of the vehicle so as to adjust a steering angle at the steerable wheels of the vehicle. In the process, the degree of coupling between at least one first part of the operating element and the wheel angle adjuster of the vehicle and/or between at least one first part of the operating element and a fixed position in the coordinate system of the vehicle can be modified depending on the degree of haptic contact between the driver of the vehicle and the aforementioned first part of the operating element.