Steering Wheel Haptic Actuators for Turn Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic navigation systems in vehicles rely on audio and visual cues, which can divert the driver's attention and may not effectively communicate turn information in all conditions, such as limited visibility or when the driver is distracted.
Innovation Solution
A haptic guidance system that uses actuators on the steering wheel to communicate turn information through changes in the shape and vibration, allowing the driver to sense the direction and severity of upcoming turns by altering the steering mechanism's shape and pulsing actuators beneath their hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If audio and visual signals are used to communicate turn information, then navigation information can be conveyed to the driver, but the driver's attention is diverted from safe vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication channel by using separate actuators for different types of information (turn direction, turn severity, proximity) rather than relying on a single audio or visual display. This allows the driver to receive comprehensive navigation information through tactile feedback without needing to divert attention to a single information source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces haptic actuators as an intermediary between the navigation system and the driver. These actuators translate navigation information into tactile sensations through the steering wheel, creating a new communication pathway that does not compete with the driver's visual and auditory attention for safe operation.
2Loss of information
If visual displays are used to show turn information, then navigation details can be presented, but the driver must divert visual attention from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual and auditory communication systems with a haptic feedback system that uses mechanical actuators to convey navigation information through tactile sensations. This substitution eliminates the need for visual displays that require driver attention, as the information is delivered through the steering wheel contact point.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic feedback system uses the steering wheel, which the driver is already touching for vehicle control, as the medium for information delivery. This self-service approach means the driver receives navigation information through an existing contact point without needing to shift attention to separate displays or audio cues.
3Loss of information
If multiple actuators are used to provide detailed haptic feedback, then turn information can be communicated effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning specific actuators at different locations on the steering wheel to convey different aspects of turn information. Each actuator or group of actuators is responsible for specific information (e.g., left/right direction, severity, proximity), allowing detailed communication without requiring complex centralized control of all actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by cycling actuators at different frequencies to encode multiple pieces of information. For example, actuators may pulse at different rates to indicate turn proximity while simultaneously indicating direction, reducing the need for separate actuators for each information type and simplifying the overall system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances driver awareness of turns and road conditions by providing tactile feedback, reducing the need for visual and auditory attention and improving safety by conveying critical navigation information through the proprioceptive sense.
Implementation Method 1
A haptic guidance system that uses actuators on the steering wheel to communicate turn information through changes in the shape and vibration
Implementation Method 2
Haptic stimuli are provided to the operator in advance of the turn point by activating vibration generators to create vibrations in a steering input controller
Data Source
AI summary
A system, and method for communicating navigation information to a vehicle operator through actuators in a steering mechanism for a vehicle. The steering mechanism can include multiple actuators along or in a surface a vehicle operator touches to steer the vehicle. Different numbers of actuators can be actuated under an operator's hand to communicate the severity of an upcoming turn. Alternatively, an actuator can be actuated by different amounts to communicate the severity of an upcoming turn. Proximity of an upcoming turn can be communicated by cycling actuators at different rates for different turns. By actuating actuators under an operator's left hand or the left portion of a hand, a left-hand turn can be communicated. Conversely, by actuating actuators under an operator's right hand or the right portion of a hand, a right-hand turn can be communicated.