Steering Assist Target Point Offset for Lane Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering assist systems cause driver discomfort and insecurity when following a preceding vehicle that is close to or over a traffic line, as the rapid change in steering direction can lead to feelings of instability.
Innovation Solution
A steering assist system that includes traffic-line detecting means, preceding-vehicle detecting means, and traveling-target-point setting means to adjust the steering target point based on the vehicle's position relative to traffic lines, ensuring the vehicle follows the preceding vehicle without deviating from the lane, thereby maintaining a stable and natural driving experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the aim of steering assist is switched from preceding-vehicle follow-up to traffic-line follow-up when the preceding vehicle is close to a traffic line, then the subject vehicle can avoid traveling over the traffic line, but the traveling target point is rapidly switched from the preceding vehicle to the center of the traveling lane, causing the subject vehicle to rapidly turn its traveling direction toward the center, which gives the driver a feeling of discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the traveling target point adjustable and movable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically positions the traveling target point between the preceding vehicle and the center of the traveling lane based on the distance to the traffic line, allowing smooth transition and natural steering behavior while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of traveling target point position based on the preceding vehicle's distance to the traffic line. When the distance is within a predetermined range, the target point is positioned offset toward the center; when outside the range, it returns to normal follow-up positioning, creating a continuous adjustment mechanism
2Reliability
If the aim of steering assist is switched from preceding-vehicle follow-up to traffic-line follow-up to prevent the subject vehicle from traveling over the traffic line, then lane deviation is prevented, but the driver feels insecurity because the subject vehicle rapidly turns toward the center of the traveling lane
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the traveling target point position based on real-time detection of the preceding vehicle's distance to the traffic line, creating a flexible control mechanism that responds gradually rather than abruptly, maintaining both safety and driver confidence
Solution Approach 2:
The traveling target point acts as an intermediary between the preceding vehicle and the traffic line constraints. By positioning it offset toward the center when needed, it mediates between following the preceding vehicle and avoiding the traffic line, preventing rapid directional changes
Data Source
AI summary
A steering assist system includes traffic-line detecting means for detecting right and left traffic lines marked on a road, preceding-vehicle detecting means for detecting a preceding vehicle traveling ahead of a subject vehicle, traveling-target-point setting means for setting a traveling target point for traveling of the subject vehicle at a predetermined position in the preceding vehicle when the preceding vehicle is not within predetermined ranges from the right and left traffic lines, and for setting the traveling target point at a position offset from the predetermined position in the preceding vehicle toward the center of a traveling lane of the subject vehicle when the preceding vehicle is within the predetermined range of any one of the right and left traffic lines, and steering control means for controlling steering so that the subject vehicle passes over the traveling target point.