Steering Control Device With Switching Unit for Self-Driving Mode
Solution Overview
Problem
Onboard systems with input operations integrated into the steering wheel suffer from poor operability in self-driving modes, as the touch panel and steering wheel turn together, complicating user input operations.
Innovation Solution
A steering control device with a switching unit and controller that allows the steering wheel to turn independently in self-driving mode, while the input operation unit remains stationary, enhancing user interaction by decoupling the steering wheel's rotation from the input operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the input operation unit is integrally installed in the center region of the steering wheel, then the structure is compact and integrated, but the operability deteriorates in self-driving mode because the input operation unit turns together with the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel assembly is segmented into two independent rotatable components: the steering wheel itself and the input operation unit. The switching unit enables selective coupling between these segments, allowing them to rotate together in manual mode or independently in self-driving mode, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural integration and operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the coupling state between the steering wheel and input operation unit based on driving mode. The switching unit transitions the connection from coupled (manual mode) to decoupled (self-driving mode), enabling the input operation unit to remain stationary while the steering wheel rotates, thus improving operability without sacrificing structural integration
Data Source
AI summary
A steering control device includes a steering wheel configured to allow a traveling direction of a vehicle to be adjusted depending on performed turning operation, an input operation unit disposed in a center region of the steering wheel and configured to receive input operation by an operator, a switching unit connected to the steering wheel and the input operation unit and configured to switch a turn of the steering wheel between a turn of the steering wheel together with the input operation unit and a turn of only the steering wheel, and a controller configured to control the switching unit such that only the steering wheel turns in accordance with an input of an input signal indicating a start of a self-driving mode in which a turn of the steering wheel is controlled.