Steering Handle Decoupling for Automated Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle automation systems lack a seamless integration of manual driver input with automated driving modes, particularly in partially automated vehicles, where the driver's intentions are not accurately translated into vehicle movements without disrupting the automated control.
Innovation Solution
A device with a steering handle that allows partial decoupling from vehicle control, enabling the driver to input intentions in one time interval, which are implemented in a second time interval, allowing for comfortable and precise control without premature adjustments, and adaptable to the driver's haptic contact and automation level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the steering handle is directly coupled to vehicle control for immediate response, then the driver's input is implemented instantly, but this causes premature adjustments and disrupts automated control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling mechanism where the steering handle's connection to vehicle control changes over time. Initially decoupled during automated driving, the handle is temporarily coupled when driver input is detected, allowing precise input registration, then decoupled again after implementation to restore automated control stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects and registers the driver's steering input in advance during a first time interval while maintaining automated control. The registered input is then implemented in a second time interval after the handle is decoupled, allowing preliminary capture of driver intent without immediate disruption to automated stability.
2Reliability
If the steering handle is decoupled from vehicle control, then automated driving stability is maintained, but the driver cannot input steering intentions
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the steering handle and vehicle control system. It receives and stores driver input signals during decoupled periods, then translates and implements these signals at appropriate times, bridging the gap between driver intent and vehicle response while maintaining automated control stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between coupled and decoupled states based on operational context. During automated driving, the handle is decoupled to maintain stability; when driver input is detected, it transitions to a coupled state for input registration, then returns to decoupled state after implementation.
3Ease of operation
If the steering handle responds immediately to driver input, then the driver has direct control, but this requires precise timing selection by the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically manages the timing and implementation of driver inputs. Once the driver provides steering input during the first time interval, the system autonomously determines the optimal second time interval for implementation, eliminating the need for the driver to precisely time their input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures driver input in advance during a first time interval and holds it for later implementation. This preliminary capture allows the driver to provide input without worrying about timing precision, as the system will execute the input at the appropriate moment during a second time interval.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for operating a vehicle which can be driven in an at least partly automated manner, having a steering wheel which can be operated by a driver and which is also designed to carry out a substantially manual driving mode for controlling at least the lateral control of the vehicle. The device has at least one first operating mode which differs from a substantially manual operating mode in that one or more operations initiated by the driver in a first time interval at the steering wheel are not carried out in the first time interval, but instead are carried out in a second time interval in accordance with a predetermined condition.