Steering Wheel Angle Input for In-Car Menu Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face challenges in efficiently operating and navigating various functions, especially with the increasing complexity of infotainment systems and the limitations of traditional input methods such as buttons and touchscreens, particularly during autonomous driving modes.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a steer-by-wire steering system to generate and output operating signals based on steering wheel angle, allowing the steering wheel to function as an input device for controlling vehicle components and menu navigation, with features like detent marks for haptic feedback and customizable steering patterns, enabling intuitive operation without mechanical steering impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional buttons and toggle switches are provided for each vehicle function, then the user can easily operate functions with fixed assignments, but the space required and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional steering control and menu navigation/input. By integrating touch-sensitive surfaces and detection units into the steering wheel structure, it becomes a universal input device that can control both driving functions and infotainment systems, eliminating the need for separate buttons for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the steering wheel with additional input functionality by integrating touch-sensitive surfaces and detection units directly into the steering wheel structure. This combination allows the steering wheel to serve as both a steering control and a menu navigation interface, reducing the total number of separate control elements needed in the vehicle
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of buttons are provided in the vehicle, then all vehicle functions can be controlled, but the space required and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional steering control and menu navigation/input. By integrating touch-sensitive surfaces and detection units into the steering wheel structure, it becomes a universal input device that can control both driving functions and infotainment systems, eliminating the need for separate buttons for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the steering wheel's functionality based on vehicle operating conditions. The control unit determines whether the steering wheel should respond to touch inputs for menu navigation or maintain traditional steering control, allowing the device to switch between different operational modes and provide versatile control without requiring physical buttons for every function
3Device complexity
If touchscreen displays are used for operating vehicle functions, then space can be reduced, but operation becomes difficult and unsafe during vehicle travel
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides haptic feedback through the steering wheel to confirm user inputs during menu navigation. When the driver touches the steering wheel to select menu items or navigate through options, the system provides tactile confirmation, allowing the driver to operate functions without visual attention on the display, thereby maintaining safety while using a space-efficient interface
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel incorporates vibration or haptic feedback mechanisms that provide tactile confirmation to the driver during menu navigation operations. This mechanical feedback allows the driver to sense their inputs through touch alone, making touchscreen-based menu control safe and intuitive during vehicle travel without requiring visual attention
4Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel is used for menu navigation during autonomous driving, then additional input methods are available, but the steering system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages the steering wheel's dual functionality. It receives inputs from both the steering angle sensor (for traditional steering) and the touch detection unit (for menu navigation), determines the appropriate operating mode based on vehicle state, and routes commands accordingly, thereby enabling versatile control without requiring complex hardware modifications
Data Source
AI summary
A method generates and outputs an operating signal in a vehicle with a steering wheel. The method includes the steps of operating the vehicle at a standstill or in an autonomous driving mode. The method also includes detecting a steering wheel angle and generating and outputting the operating signal. The operating signal controls a vehicle component, or can be used for a menu navigation of an on-board computer based on the detected steering wheel angle.