Steering Wheel Hub Actuators for Hands-Free Turn Signal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle turn signal systems require drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel to operate, leading to issues like premature turn signal activation or deactivation, especially during high-risk or complex driving situations, and lack integrated, hands-free control over other vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
An integrated motor vehicle control system with actuators on the steering wheel rim allows for hands-free operation of turn signals, transmission shifting, and other components like radios and navigation systems, using thumb-sized patterns on switch arrays that do not require drivers to change their grip, incorporating Lane Detection and Steering Wheel Angle systems for autonomous signal cancellation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If turn signal activation switches are placed in the hub or on spokes of the steering wheel, then the switches are more accessible to the driver, but the driver must still reposition their hand or release their grip on the steering wheel to operate them
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is divided into functional segments: the rim maintains steering control while the hub contains the activation switches. This segmentation allows the driver to operate switches in the hub without compromising the grip on the rim, resolving the contradiction between switch accessibility and steering control.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub acts as an intermediary structure that houses the turn signal activation switches, allowing drivers to operate them by pushing inward on the hub while maintaining their grip on the rim. This intermediary element enables switch operation without requiring hand repositioning or release from the steering wheel.
2Device complexity
If stalk switches are used for turn signal activation, then the system is simple and reliable, but the driver must remove their hand from the steering wheel to operate the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The turn signal activation function is merged with the steering wheel structure itself, specifically integrating switches into the hub. This combination eliminates the need for separate stalk switches that require hand removal, while maintaining the simplicity and reliability of the turn signal system.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel hub serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the steering mechanism and houses the turn signal activation switches. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to enable both steering control and signal activation without requiring separate control mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If the turn signal system uses traditional stalk switches or hub-mounted buttons, then the activation mechanism is straightforward, but the system cannot autonomously cancel signals after turns are completed
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms including lane position detection and steering wheel angle sensing that continuously monitor driving conditions. This feedback enables the controller to autonomously determine when a turn is complete and automatically cancel the turn signal, adding automation while maintaining a relatively simple activation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The turn signal system serves itself by automatically canceling signals based on inputs from lane detection and steering angle sensors. The controller monitors the vehicle's turning status and autonomously deactivates the turn signal when the turn is complete, eliminating the need for manual intervention to turn off the signal.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system which integrates motor vehicle component operation into actuators located in the rim of a motor vehicle steering wheel. The two actuators of the system of the present invention are located in an arc segment of the steering wheel defined by the three o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the right-hand actuator and the nine o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the left-hand actuator. The actuators may operate in parallel with a conventional stalk switch or controls associated with an on board computer and only operate a motor vehicle component when activated and subsequently depressed. The integrated vehicle control system and apparatus of the present invention further provides for vehicle component operation which does not require a driver to remove his or her hands from the steering wheel. Furthermore, the integrated vehicle control system and apparatus of the present invention when integrated with steering wheel and vehicle position detection systems provides a means to disengage an activated turn signal depending on the position of the steering wheel and/or the vehicle.