Steering Wheel Actuator Neutral Positioning for Instrument Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steer-by-wire systems in vehicles face issues where the steering wheel obstructs the view of the instrument cluster when turned, especially when parked or with the ignition off, and this can hinder driver monitoring and make it difficult for drivers to read important information or get in/out of the vehicle comfortably.
Innovation Solution
A method where the steering wheel is automatically placed in a neutral position independently of the steerable wheel's deflection, ensuring clear visibility to the instrument cluster and facilitating entry/exit, using a steering wheel actuator controlled by a unit that processes signals from sensors and driver feedback or confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the steering wheel is turned to provide feedback on wheel position, then the driver receives natural feedback, but the instrument cluster view is restricted and displays are covered
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel angle is dynamically adjusted based on the vehicle state. When the vehicle is moving, the steering wheel maintains its turned position to provide natural feedback. When the vehicle is stationary or parked, the steering wheel automatically returns to a neutral position to clear the view of the instrument cluster, thus dynamically resolving the contradiction between feedback reliability and visibility.
2Loss of information
If the steering wheel is turned to display information on the instrument cluster, then the driver can read displays, but the driver monitoring camera view is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel position is dynamically controlled based on vehicle motion state. During driving, the steering wheel remains in the position that provides natural feedback. When the vehicle is stationary, it automatically returns to neutral position, ensuring the driver monitoring camera has an unobstructed view while still allowing the driver to access information through other means.
3Device complexity
If the steering wheel is in a fixed position, then the structure is simple, but the driver cannot comfortably get in and out of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel incorporates an automatic positioning mechanism that adjusts its angle based on vehicle state. When the vehicle is stationary or the ignition is off, the steering wheel automatically returns to a neutral position that facilitates driver entry and exit. During driving, it dynamically adjusts to provide appropriate feedback, thus maintaining simplicity while improving convenience.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel is mechanically decoupled from the steerable wheels, then the system allows independent adjustment, but the steering wheel obstructs the instrument cluster view when parked
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical decoupling enables independent control of the steering wheel position. The control unit utilizes this independence to automatically adjust the steering wheel angle based on vehicle state - maintaining feedback during driving and clearing the view during parking or stationary conditions, thus resolving the visibility issue while preserving system flexibility.
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 solution prevents the steering wheel from obstructing the view of the instrument cluster, allowing for effective driver monitoring and easier vehicle access, while ensuring the vehicle remains secure and ready for operation when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a steering wheel actuator for setting a rotational position of the steering wheel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operating a steering system (1) of a vehicle (100), wherein the steering system (1) comprises a steering wheel (11), a steerable wheel (2), wherein the steerable wheel (2) and the steering wheel (11) are mechanically decoupled, a steering wheel actuator (14) for setting a rotational position of the steering wheel (11), a wheel steering actuator (4) for steering the steerable wheel (2), and a control unit (6) for controlling the wheel steering actuator (4) and the steering wheel actuator (14). According to the invention, when the ignition is switched off, the steering wheel (11) is automatically set to a neutral position (NW) independent of the wheel angle (RLW) of the steerable wheel (2) by the steering wheel actuator (14). The invention also relates to a steering system (1) of a vehicle (100) and a vehicle (100).