Steering Device Secondary Handle Adaptive Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steering devices for motor vehicles with secondary handles primarily offer alternative control options rather than enhancing the primary handle's functionality, limiting their utility in varying operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

A secondary handle that dynamically influences the steering mechanics by interacting with the electrical actuator, with its functionality adjusted based on vehicle speed, sensor data, and other state variables to provide additional control options tailored to specific driving situations, such as sensitive directional control at high speeds and easier maneuvering at low speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the secondary handle is used as an alternative control option to the primary handle, then it provides additional control methods for drivers with physical impairments, but it does not enhance the overall steering functionality or adapt to varying driving conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering control adaptabilityVSAvoidsteering control utility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability by enabling the secondary handle to assume different functional roles based on detected driving conditions. The control unit automatically adjusts the secondary handle's function - serving as auxiliary steering control during manual steering, as primary control during automated parking, or as emergency backup - thereby dynamically adapting to varying operational requirements without requiring physical modification of the handle itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by modifying the secondary handle's control characteristics according to driving conditions. The control unit adjusts parameters such as steering ratio, response sensitivity, and intervention level based on vehicle speed, steering angle, and detected maneuver type, transforming the secondary handle from a static alternative control into a context-adaptive control interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the secondary handle provides fixed alternative control options, then it simplifies the control system design, but it limits the ability to provide context-dependent steering assistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidcontext-dependent control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors driving conditions including vehicle speed, steering wheel position, gear state, and parking sensor data. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines the appropriate functional mode for the secondary handle, enabling context-adaptive control without requiring complex manual configuration or switching mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs self-service by autonomously determining when and how to activate different secondary handle functions based on detected operating conditions. The system automatically switches between modes such as auxiliary steering support, automated parking control, and emergency backup without requiring driver intervention or complex external control logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Force

If the secondary handle acts with full steering effect regardless of operating conditions, then it provides maximum steering input, but it may cause over-steering or unsafe maneuvers in situations requiring subtle corrections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering effect magnitudeVSAvoidsteering control safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the steering effect magnitude based on the specific operating context. The control unit modulates the secondary handle's steering influence - applying full or amplified effect during automated parking maneuvers where precise positional control is needed, while applying reduced or proportional effect during normal driving to maintain stability and prevent over-correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2591976B1Steering device for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2016.11.30 LEOPOLD KOSTAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2591976B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The steering device has a primary handle (5), which is coupled to a steering mechanism (8) by a mechanical connection (4) for influencing the driving direction of the motor vehicle. A secondary handle (6) is connected to a steering control unit (2) by an electric connection (7). The secondary handle interacts with a portion of the complete steering effect on the steering mechanism, which is attained by the electric actuator (3), where the portion is predetermined by the steering control unit.