Steering Wheel Haptic Torque Feedback for Driver Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HMI systems for vehicles lack an effective way to provide haptic feedback and communication through the steering wheel, especially in steer-by-wire systems, which can lead to reduced driver engagement and safety.
Innovation Solution
An HMI system that incorporates a steer-by-wire system with a torque feedback unit connected to the steering wheel, a control module that identifies communications and gathers information about user securement of the steering wheel, and operates the torque feedback unit to apply a supplementary torque scaled based on user securement for haptic communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torque feedback unit is added to provide haptic feedback through the steering wheel, then driver engagement and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the torque feedback unit with the existing steer-by-wire system, merging multiple functions (steering control and haptic feedback) into a single integrated system. This reduces overall device complexity by eliminating separate mechanical linkages while maintaining the ability to provide torque feedback through the steering wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module acts as an intermediary between the torque feedback unit and the driver, processing sensor data about user securement and translating it into appropriate torque levels. This mediator approach allows complex feedback logic to be implemented through software rather than complex hardware circuitry.
2Loss of information
If supplementary torque is applied for haptic communication, then communication effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of supplementary torque based on real-time detection of user securement conditions. The torque magnitude varies according to whether one hand or two hands are detected on the wheel, allowing the system to adapt between providing strong communication feedback and maintaining ease of steering operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module changes the torque parameter dynamically based on detected user securement. When two hands are detected, the system can apply higher supplementary torque for effective communication, while when one hand is detected, it reduces torque to maintain ease of operation, thus optimizing both communication effectiveness and operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If torque magnitude is scaled based on user securement, then comfort is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the steering wheel detection system continuously monitors user securement conditions and provides this information to the control module. This feedback enables the system to adjust torque in real-time based on actual user interaction, improving comfort while managing measurement precision requirements through continuous monitoring rather than single-point measurement.
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 system effectively provides haptic feedback and communication through the steering wheel, enhancing driver engagement and safety by adapting the torque based on user securement, ensuring consistent resistance and improved comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a torque feedback unit mechanically connected to the steering wheel... operate the torque feedback unit to apply a supplementary torque to the steering wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel-based HMI system for a vehicle includes a steer-by-wire system and a control module. The steer-by-wire system includes a steering wheel and a torque feedback unit mechanically connected to the steering wheel. The control module is communicatively connected to the torque feedback unit. The control module is configured to identify a communication, gather information about user securement of the steering wheel, and operate the torque feedback unit to apply a supplementary torque to the steering wheel for haptically issuing the communication through the steering wheel. The supplementary torque has a magnitude that is scaled based on the information about user securement of the steering wheel.