Steering Wheel Torque Sensor Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing control systems for motor vehicles with power steering lack accessibility due to the complex and numerous controls arranged on the central console, making it difficult for users to activate or deactivate various vehicle functions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a torque sensor in the steering wheel to detect specific vibratory sequences generated by the user, which are analyzed to control vehicle functions, allowing for the activation or deactivation of functions through a series of deliberate shocks on the steering wheel, ensuring intentional user input and safety by validating the sequence and vehicle speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If controls for vehicle functions are arranged on the central console, then all functions can be controlled, but accessibility becomes poor due to arrangement complexity and excessive number of controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control interface for multiple vehicle functions directly into the steering wheel, combining navigation control, volume control, and phone control into a single accessible location. This allows users to control all these functions without reaching for the central console, thus merging multiple control capabilities into one accessible interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the control interface from the vertical dimension (central console below dashboard) to the horizontal dimension (steering wheel in front of driver), changing the spatial arrangement from a centralized vertical layout to a distributed horizontal layout around the driver's line of sight, improving accessibility while maintaining full function control.
2Ease of operation
If additional control devices are added to improve accessibility, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity and technical investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing torque sensor, originally designed solely for power steering assistance, serve multiple functions by adding vibration detection capability. This allows the same hardware component to perform both steering assistance and function control activation, eliminating the need for separate control devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the torque sensor to self-serve multiple purposes: it continues to provide power steering assistance while simultaneously detecting vibration patterns for function control activation. The existing sensor infrastructure serves itself by expanding its functional scope without requiring external additional devices.
3Ease of operation
If vibration detection is used to control functions, then accessibility improves, but false activation from road vibrations may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through pattern recognition, where the control unit analyzes the detected vibration sequence and compares it against predetermined activation patterns. The system provides feedback by only activating functions when the vibration pattern matches the expected user input sequence, filtering out random road vibrations that don't match the pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by requiring a sequence of multiple vibrations within a specific time window to trigger function activation. Instead of responding to single isolated vibrations, the system waits for a periodic pattern of vibrations occurring in succession, which distinguishes intentional user input from random road disturbances.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method simplifies the control of vehicle functions by allowing users to activate or deactivate them through intuitive gestures, enhancing accessibility without additional technical investment, while ensuring safety by validating user intent and vehicle conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the electric assistance comprises at least one torque sensor capable of detecting a force exerted on said steering wheel. When this torque is detected in the clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, the electric motor of the electric assistance rotates the steering column in the direction desired by the user
Implementation Method 2
the torque sensor detects at least one effective vibration sequence comprising at least two similar shocks against the steering wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method of controlling at least one function (10) equipping a motor vehicle (1), the motor vehicle (1) comprising at least one electric power steering (4) and a steering wheel (2), the electric power steering (4) comprising at least one torque sensor (6) which measures a rotational force exerted on the electric power steering (4) generated by the steering wheel (2), the method comprising at least one first step during which the torque sensor (6) detects at least one effective vibration sequence (16) generated by at least two shocks (12) against the steering wheel (2).