Steering Wheel Grip Detection Using Multi-Position Proximity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grip determination devices for steering wheels misjudge the presence/absence of gripping by the driver due to variations in body build, particularly for larger drivers, leading to inaccurate determinations.
Innovation Solution
A steering device equipped with multiple proximity sensors on the steering wheel rim that select a target sensor based on detection value changes, using a selector to compare magnitudes and thresholds, and a determinator to accurately determine gripping based on the target sensor's detection value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a proximity sensor is provided to the rim part of the steering wheel to determine gripping, then the grip determination function is enabled, but misjudgment occurs when a part of the driver's body other than hand is present in the vicinity
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel rim is divided into multiple grip part regions, with proximity sensors arranged at different positions (e.g., left, right, top, bottom). This segmentation allows the system to detect which specific region is being gripped, enabling more accurate determination of actual hand gripping versus other body parts being near the wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a spatial dimension to grip detection by arranging multiple sensors at different positions around the rim rather than using a single sensor. This multi-position arrangement creates a two-dimensional detection pattern that can distinguish between hand gripping (which typically occurs at specific rim positions) and other body parts being near the wheel.
2Measurement precision
If multiple proximity sensors are arranged at different positions on the grip part, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rim part is segmented into multiple detection zones with proximity sensors placed at representative positions of each zone. This segmentation approach achieves comprehensive detection coverage while minimizing the number of sensors needed, as each sensor monitors a specific segment rather than requiring full continuous coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Each proximity sensor serves multiple functions: detecting hand gripping, detecting other body parts near the wheel, and providing spatial information about which grip position is being used. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional sensors or system components.
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
The solution allows for accurate determination of gripping irrespective of body build, enhancing traffic safety by minimizing misjudgments and improving the reliability of driving assistance systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of proximity sensors (for example, the first proximity sensor 4, second proximity sensor 5, third proximity sensor 6 and fourth proximity sensor 7 described later) which is disposed to a grip part (for example, the rim part 20 described later) of the steering wheel which can be gripped by the driver, and outputs a detection value that varies according to a distance between each arrangement position and a human body
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device (1) includes: a steering wheel (2); a plurality of proximity sensors (4, 5, 6, 7) which are arranged on a rim part (20) of the steering wheel (2), and output detection values (Ch_1, Ch_2, Ch_3, Ch_4) that vary according to distance between each arrangement position and the human body; and a grip determination device (8) which determines the presence/absence of gripping of the rim part (20) based on the detection values (Ch_1 to Ch_4) of the proximity sensors (4 to 7). The grip determination device (8) includes a selector (81) which selects a target sensor from among the plurality of proximity sensors (4 to 7) based on a change extent of detection values of the plurality of proximity sensors (4 to 7); and a determinator (82) which determines the presence/absence of gripping of the rim part (20) based on the detection value of the target sensor.