Steering Wheel Touch Control for Assisted Lateral Vehicle Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driving assistance devices require drivers to perform steering operations similar to manual driving, even when automated systems are engaged, complicating the process and potentially delaying intended lateral movements.

Innovation Solution

A driving assistance device that utilizes a steering operation actuator, detection device to sense hand positions on the steering wheel, and an electronic control unit to execute lateral vehicle movements based on predefined hand positions or motions, allowing drivers to request lateral movements without physically turning the wheel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the driver steers the steering wheel to indicate lane change intention, then the vehicle can perform lateral movement, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of lateral movement requestVSAvoidtime for steering operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical steering operation with a touch-based detection system. Instead of requiring the driver to physically turn the steering wheel, the system detects the position of the driver's hand on the steering wheel using sensors (e.g., touch sensors, capacitive sensors) and automatically executes lateral movement based on the detected hand position. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical steering actions while maintaining control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The steering wheel itself serves dual purposes: it remains the familiar interface for manual steering while simultaneously functioning as a touch-sensitive control surface for automated lateral movement requests. The driver's natural hand placement on the steering wheel provides the input signal, making the system self-responsive to the driver's intended action without requiring separate controls or complex operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the driver performs steering operations similar to manual driving, then the vehicle responds to driver input, but the process is complicated and may delay intended lateral movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of lateral movement executionVSAvoidcomplexity of control operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical steering operations with simple touch detection. The steering wheel incorporates sensors that detect the driver's hand position, and the electronic control unit processes this information to automatically execute lateral movements. This eliminates the need for the driver to perform complex steering maneuvers while maintaining rapid response to lateral movement requests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential control function from the complex mechanical steering process. Instead of requiring the driver to manipulate the steering wheel mechanically, the system extracts the directional intent from the driver's hand position on the wheel and separates this from the actual execution of lateral movement, which is performed automatically by the vehicle's control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the steering wheel is used for both manual steering and lateral movement requests, then the interface remains familiar, but the operation becomes ambiguous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility of steering wheelVSAvoidclarity of operation intent

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different functional qualities to different regions of the steering wheel. Specific zones or positions on the steering wheel are designated for lateral movement requests (e.g., touching the left or right side), while other regions maintain their traditional steering function. This spatial differentiation allows the system to distinguish between manual steering intentions and automated lateral movement requests based on where the driver places their hand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically interprets the function of the steering wheel based on the detected hand position. When the driver's hand is detected at specific positions, the system interprets this as a lateral movement request rather than manual steering input. This dynamic interpretation allows the same physical interface to serve multiple functions clearly, with the system adapting its response based on the detected interaction pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12576909B2Driving assistance device

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

The driving assistance device controls lateral movement of the vehicle. The driving assistance device includes a steering operation actuator that steers the wheels, a detection device that detects the position of the driver's hand touching the steering wheel, and an electronic control unit that controls the lateral direction of the vehicle. In lateral control, the electronic control unit controls the steering operation actuator so that the vehicle laterally moves to the right when a hand touches the right portion of the steering wheel, and when the hand touches the left portion of the steering wheel. In this case, the steering operation actuator is controlled so that the vehicle laterally moves to the left.