Steering Wheel Display for Autonomous Vehicle Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Steer-By-Wire systems, seamlessly synchronizing the steering wheel with the tire's steering angle when switching from autonomous to driver travel mode is complex and difficult, leading to a sense of difference for the driver.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle travel control system with a display mechanism on the steering wheel, controlled by a controller, displays the rotating position of the steering wheel based on the tire's steering angle, allowing the driver to easily determine the position without physical synchronization, using a touch panel and steering angle sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the steering wheel is physically separated from the tire steering mechanism in an SBW system, then the steering wheel can be kept stationary during autonomous travel, but the driver experiences a sense of difference and lack of steering feeling when switching to driver travel mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the steering wheel's rotating position through the display mechanism. When the tire is steered to a certain angle, the display shows a corresponding virtual steering wheel position that matches the tire's steering angle, giving the driver visual feedback that replicates the expected steering wheel position without requiring physical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The display mechanism acts as an intermediary between the tire steering mechanism and the driver. It translates the tire's steering angle into a visual representation of steering wheel position, mediating the disconnect between the physically separated steering wheel and tire while providing the driver with appropriate feedback
2Device complexity
If the steering wheel is stored and only taken out when needed, then the autonomous travel mode is simplified, but the switching process becomes complex and difficult to synchronize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical synchronization system with an electronic display system. Instead of physically connecting and synchronizing the steering wheel with the tire steering mechanism, the system uses a controller and display mechanism to show the steering wheel's rotating position based on the tire's steering angle, eliminating complex mechanical linkages
3Ease of operation
If a display mechanism is added to show the steering wheel's rotating position, then the driver can easily determine the position without physical synchronization, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display mechanism serves multiple functions: it shows the steering wheel's rotating position, provides visual feedback during mode switching, and maintains the autonomous travel interface. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the patent reduces the need for separate systems while achieving the desired driver feedback
Data Source
AI summary
A travel control system and a method for an autonomous vehicle is provided to easily determine a rotating position of a steering wheel when an autonomous travel mode is switched to a driver's travel mode. The travel control system includes: a display mechanism provided in a central portion of a steering wheel to display a rotating position of the steering wheel; and a controller to controls the display mechanism to display the rotating position of the steering wheel based on a steering angle of a tire when the steering angle of the tire is input and the autonomous travel mode is switched to the driver travel mode.