Steering Wheel Centering via Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with stowable steering wheels, it is challenging to ensure the steering wheel remains centered when actuators are disengaged, as loads such as tire deformation can cause the wheel to shift off-center, making it difficult to determine if the wheel is still centered without active steering assist.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a steering position sensor and an external angle controller (EAC) to identify and adjust the steering wheel position, ensuring it remains centered by comparing the current angle to a centered position and using the EAC to ramp the wheel back to alignment, even when actuators are no longer providing forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If actuators are disengaged to allow steering wheel retraction, then cabin space is increased, but the steering wheel shifts off-center due to loads like tire deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the steering wheel angle using a steering angle sensor and compares it to the desired centered position. When a deviation is detected (caused by tire deformation or other loads), the control unit activates the actuator to generate a counteracting moment that returns the steering wheel to the centered position, creating a closed-loop feedback control system
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the steering wheel angle parameter by detecting the actual angle and comparing it to the target centered angle. The control unit modifies the actuator output to change the steering wheel position parameter, ensuring it maintains the correct centered value despite external disturbances
2Adaptability or versatility
If steering assist is removed to enable stowage, then steering wheel retraction is enabled, but it becomes difficult to determine if the wheel is centered
Solution Approach 1:
The steering angle sensor provides continuous feedback on the steering wheel angle even when steering assist is disengaged. The control unit processes this feedback signal to determine whether the steering wheel is centered, enabling accurate position detection independent of actuator engagement state
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own sensing capabilities (steering angle sensor) to monitor and verify the centered position of the steering wheel, making the system self-verify its state without requiring external intervention or continuous actuator engagement
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed herein to center a steering wheel. An example vehicle includes a steering position sensor to identify a steering wheel position, a pinion angle identifier to compare a first steering position angle to a second steering position angle, the second steering position angle corresponding to a centered steering wheel position, and an angle modifier to adjust the first steering position angle to match the second steering position angle.