Steering Wheel Display for Autonomous Steering Angle Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous driving, drivers face insecurity due to lack of direct feedback on the vehicle's steering angle when the steering wheel is stationary, relying on vehicle movement and centrifugal force for information, which can be unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A scale display on the steering wheel rim provides the driver with real-time information about the vehicle's steering angle, adjustable in magnitude based on driving speed, ensuring clear visualization even when the wheel does not rotate during cornering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the steering wheel is decoupled from the steering train to remain stationary during autonomous cornering, then the steering wheel position stability is improved, but the driver loses direct feedback on the vehicle's steering angle
Solution Approach 1:
A display device is introduced as an intermediary between the steering wheel and the driver. This display shows steering angle information through visual representations (arrows, scales, or icons) on the steering wheel rim or integrated display, compensating for the loss of mechanical feedback when the steering wheel is decoupled from the steering train during autonomous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical feedback mechanism (direct connection between steering wheel and wheels) is replaced with an electronic information display system. The display device uses electronic signals and visual elements to convey steering angle information, substituting the traditional mechanical feedback path with an electronic communication channel
2Loss of information
If the steering wheel rotates during autonomous cornering, then the driver receives mechanical feedback on steering angle, but the steering wheel position changes continuously making it difficult to maintain neutral position
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback system is segmented into two independent channels: mechanical rotation of the steering wheel for manual control, and a separate visual display system for providing steering angle information. This segmentation allows the steering wheel to remain physically stationary while the display shows the necessary angular information through graphical elements
3Loss of information
If a display is added to the steering wheel rim to show steering angle information, then the driver receives steering angle feedback, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is designed to serve multiple functions: showing steering angle information, indicating autonomous driving status, and providing general vehicle information. By integrating these functions into a single display system on the steering wheel, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate indicators for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The steering angle display is merged with the steering wheel structure itself, using the steering wheel rim or surface as the display medium. This integration combines the steering wheel's structural function with the information display function, eliminating the need for separate display components and reducing overall device complexity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle steering wheel comprising a display unit which is provided in the steering wheel rim and gives the motor vehicle driver an indication on the vehicle steering angle in the manner of a scalar display, the display unit being active at least when the motor vehicle is in an autonomous or highly automated driving move in which the steering wheel does not move, not even when the vehicle negotiates curves. The display unit can operate in a slightly anticipatory manner so as to be able to give an indication on the vehicle steering angle to be set by a control system for the autonomous driving mode on a stretch of road that lies ahead and is visible to the driver. In certain boundary conditions, the display unit can display a vehicle steering angle that is too great or too small, depending on the traveling speed of the vehicle.