Automatic Steering Intervention Modulated by Driver Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance systems with automatic steering interventions do not effectively adjust their intensity based on how firmly a driver holds the steering wheel, leading to inconsistent vehicle control during autonomous steering, as the current systems fail to account for the driver's grip strength and hand count when determining the intervention's impact.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the intensity of automatic steering intervention by measuring the compressive force and number of hands on the steering wheel, adjusting the intervention's strength based on the driver's grip firmness and hand count to ensure the vehicle remains controllable, with a threshold value increasing with firmer grip or more hands, and further considering driving speed and attentiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the automatic steering intervention applies a fixed intensity regardless of driver input, then the system structure remains simple, but the vehicle control consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the torque applied by the driver on the steering wheel and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the intensity of the automatic steering intervention. When the driver applies counter-torque, the system reduces its intervention strength, and when the driver releases torque, the system increases intervention, ensuring consistent and predictable vehicle control throughout the maneuver.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic steering intervention transitions from a static fixed-intensity system to a dynamic adaptive system that automatically adjusts its torque output based on real-time driver input. The intervention intensity is modulated continuously according to the driver's applied torque, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to match the driver's level of engagement and maintain control consistency.
2Speed
If the automatic steering intervention applies high intensity torque, then the steering response is faster, but the driver's ability to maintain control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors the counter-torque applied by the driver as a measure of driver engagement and uses this to modulate the intervention torque. When the driver actively counters the steering torque, indicating strong control intent, the system reduces or suspends its torque application, thereby preserving the driver's control ability while still providing responsive assistance when the driver is less engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The intervention torque parameter is dynamically adjusted based on the detected driver torque. The system changes the magnitude of applied torque as a function of driver input, reducing torque when driver engagement is high and increasing torque when engagement is low, thus maintaining both fast response capability and driver control authority throughout the steering maneuver.
3Measurement precision
If the system does not detect driver grip strength, then the sensor system remains simple, but the intervention accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the steering torque sensor, which is already present in the steering system for other control functions, to simultaneously detect driver grip strength and modulation intent. This self-service approach allows the existing sensor to serve dual purposes: monitoring both the magnitude of driver counter-torque and the driver's level of engagement, thereby achieving accurate grip detection without adding dedicated sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering torque sensor is utilized for multiple functions: it detects both the driver's counter-steering torque for control purposes and the driver's grip strength for intervention modulation. This multi-functional use of the existing sensor achieves accurate measurement of driver engagement and grip without increasing sensor system complexity.
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
The solution ensures the vehicle remains controllable by adjusting the automatic steering intervention's intensity according to the driver's grip and attentiveness, enhancing safety by preventing oversteering and maintaining vehicle guidance during autonomous operations.
Implementation Method 1
This can be done capacitively or with optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
with optical fibers, which have a lower light transmittance when changing a bend of the fibers
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle for performing an automatic steering intervention involves detecting how firmly a driver is holding a steering wheel, and determining an intensity value i.e. control value dependent on how firmly the driver is holding the steering wheel. The control value is higher when the driver is holding the steering wheel more firmly, and lower when the driver is holding the steering wheel less firmly. The method then applies an automatic steering intervention with an applied intensity that is controlled in accordance with the control value, so that the applied intensity of the automatic steering intervention is higher when the driver is holding the steering wheel more firmly, and lower when the driver is holding the steering wheel less firmly. A steering assistance system includes a memory, a processor, sensors and an automatic steering control system, to implement the method.