Steering Mode Blending via Virtual Sliders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems often limit operators to rigid, predefined steering modes, which may not align with their desired steering feel, as they can only select between predefined modes like sport, normal, or comfort, without the ability to customize the steering characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow operators to select and customize steering modes by adjusting assist, damping, return, and road feedback characteristics using virtual sliders or interfaces, enabling the creation of a blended steering mode that combines characteristics from predefined modes to achieve a desired steering feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering system provides only predefined steering modes (sport, normal, comfort), then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability and customization capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steering characteristics into multiple independent parameters (assist characteristic, damping characteristic, return characteristic, road feedback characteristic). Each parameter can be independently adjusted by the operator through virtual sliders, allowing customization without increasing overall system complexity. This segmentation enables fine-grained control over steering feel while maintaining a user-friendly interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically blends characteristics from multiple predefined steering modes based on operator selections. The controller continuously adjusts the steering characteristics in real-time by combining values from different predefined modes according to the operator's desired assist, damping, return, and road feedback levels. This dynamic blending provides adaptability while reusing existing predefined mode definitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering system allows full customization of steering characteristics, then the adaptability and operator satisfaction are improved, but the device complexity and control system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller utilizes the existing predefined steering modes for multiple purposes: they serve as the source of customizable characteristics and as the foundation for blending. The same predefined mode data structures are reused to generate customized steering characteristics, eliminating the need for separate storage and processing systems for predefined and customized modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves customization by changing the parameter values of existing steering characteristics rather than creating new characteristics. The controller adjusts assist, damping, return, and road feedback parameter values by blending predefined mode data according to operator selections. This parameter-based approach provides full customization capability while maintaining the existing system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering system provides multiple predefined steering modes, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited customization options
Solution Approach 1:
Virtual sliders serve as an intermediary interface between the operator and the complex steering characteristic parameters. The sliders provide an intuitive, visual method for operators to adjust assist, damping, return, and road feedback characteristics without needing to understand the underlying technical parameters. This intermediary simplifies the operation while enabling precise customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension of customization by allowing operators to independently adjust four separate steering characteristics (assist, damping, return, road feedback) rather than selecting from fixed predefined modes. This transforms the control from a single-dimension mode selection to a multi-dimensional parameter adjustment space, providing greater flexibility while maintaining ease of use through visual sliders.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing steering mode control includes identifying a set of steering characteristic values corresponding to respective steering characteristics for a current steering mode. The method also includes setting the respective steering characteristics to corresponding steering characteristic values of the set of steering characteristic values and receiving at least one steering characteristics input indicating a selected steering characteristic value for a corresponding steering characteristic. The method also includes selectively setting the steering characteristic value of the corresponding steering characteristic to the selected steering characteristic value indicated by the at least one steering characteristics input.