Steering Knob With Elastic Return For Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle control systems require driver intervention for tasks like parking and lane changes, even in autonomous driving modes, necessitating a new steering device that can efficiently adjust vehicle wheel positions and manage gear shifting in both autonomous and manual driving modes.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system featuring a steering device with a rotating knob, shaft, elastic part, and damper, along with a transmission system for gear shifting, which includes a sensor unit for detecting rotational positions and pressure sensing for gear selection, allowing seamless transitions between autonomous and manual driving modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a traditional steering wheel is used in autonomous driving mode, then driver intervention is required for tasks like parking and lane changes, but this increases device complexity and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential steering function from the traditional steering wheel, keeping only the critical components (knob, shaft, elastic part, damper) needed for wheel position adjustment while removing unnecessary complexity for autonomous driving modes where full steering control is not required
Solution Approach 2:
The steering device is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides full steering control in manual driving mode and limited wheel position adjustment in autonomous driving mode, allowing one device to adapt to different driving modes and reduce overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If a simplified steering mechanism is used for autonomous driving, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The steering device employs dynamic elements including an elastic part that provides flexible return force and a damper that offers variable resistance based on rotation speed, allowing the mechanism to adapt to different operational conditions while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The damper's rotational resistance force changes based on rotation parameters, providing higher resistance during rapid movements for control stability and lower resistance during normal operation for ease of use, thus maintaining reliability across different operational scenarios
3Reliability
If separate systems are used for steering and gear shifting, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and interior space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steering device with gear shifting functionality, integrating both control functions into a single unified interface that reduces overall system complexity and interior space requirements while maintaining reliable control through distinct mechanical pathways
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
Enables efficient wheel position adjustment and gear shifting, enhancing driver safety and vehicle control by utilizing elastic and rotational resistance forces, while optimizing interior space and reducing costs through integrated functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic part coupled to the shaft. In particular, when the shaft rotates from a reference position by the rotational force, the elastic part may be compressed, and when the rotational force is removed, the elastic part may be relaxed to return the shaft to the reference position
Implementation Method 2
a damper coupled to the rotating body. The damper may rotate based on the rotation of the rotating body, and may generate a rotational resistance force during rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system includes a controller configured to determine whether a vehicle is operating in an autonomous driving mode or in a manual driving mode; and a steering device for adjusting a position of a wheel of the vehicle when the vehicle is operating in the manual driving mode. The steering device includes a knob configured to rotate about a rotation axis; a shaft connected to the knob, the shaft rotating about the rotation axis together with the knob by a rotational force transmitted from the knob; and an elastic part coupled to the shaft. In particular, when the shaft rotates from a reference position by the rotational force, the elastic part is compressed, and when the rotational force is removed, the elastic part is relaxed to return the shaft to the reference position.