Steering Handle Torque Compensation for Reliable Hands-On Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering systems face challenges in operational safety and functionality due to systematic sensor offsets in torque sensors, leading to uncontrolled movement and misrecognized contact of the steering handle during automated driving.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to determine and superimpose a compensation torque correlated to the systematic sensor offset of the torque sensor during calibration, which is then applied in automated driving to correct the torque signal and improve hands-on/hands-off detection, thereby enhancing operational safety and preventing misrecognized contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If torque sensors are used in automated driving systems, then steering control functionality is enabled, but systematic sensor offsets cause measurement errors leading to uncontrolled movement and misrecognized contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration of the torque sensor before automated driving operation. A calibration operational state is initiated where compensation torques are determined and stored for subsequent use during automated driving, thereby eliminating systematic offsets before they can cause measurement errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the torque signal parameter by adding a compensation torque value to the raw torque sensor signal. This parameter transformation corrects systematic offsets in the measurement, converting an inaccurate torque signal into an accurate corrected torque signal for reliable hands-on detection
2Measurement precision
If torque sensor calibration is performed to eliminate systematic offsets, then measurement accuracy is improved, but additional calibration operations and compensation calculations increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining compensation torques during a calibration operational state without requiring external intervention. The control unit autonomously executes the calibration procedure, calculates compensation values, and stores them for future use, making the system self-sufficient
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the calibrated compensation torques to continuously correct torque signals during automated driving. The corrected torque signal feeds back into the control system, enabling accurate hands-on detection and proper steering control based on the compensated measurement values
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for operating a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The vehicle comprises a steering system with a steering handle, an actuator unit which is operatively connected to the steering handle, and at least one torque sensor, which is paired with the actuator unit, for detecting a torque signal.According to the disclosure, a compensation torque which correlates to a systematic sensor offset of the torque sensor is ascertained in a calibration operational state and is superimposed onto the torque signal in an automated drive operation state in order to monitor a contact of the steering handle.