Steering Wheel Rotation Control for Autonomous Driving
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Steering wheels in vehicles are limited to standard driving positions, restricting their use during autonomous driving modes where driver input is not required, limiting functionality and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A rotational control system for a steering wheel that allows it to switch between rotational and non-rotational conditions, controlled by a controller and autonomous driver assist system, enabling the steering wheel to be used as a workspace or armrest during autonomous driving, and reconfiguring for manual control when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel is fixed in a standard driving position for manual control, then vehicle control reliability is maintained, but functionality and comfort during autonomous driving are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, switching between a rotational condition for manual driving control and a non-rotational condition for autonomous driving. The controller receives autonomous driving mode signals and actuates the steering wheel to a non-rotational position, allowing it to serve as a multifunctional workspace or armrest, thereby improving adaptability and driver comfort during autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel serves multiple functions: it acts as a traditional rotational steering control during manual driving, and transforms into a stationary multifunctional surface during autonomous driving. This multi-functionality allows the same component to adapt to different driving modes, providing both control capability and additional workspace without requiring separate structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel is allowed to rotate freely for manual control, then steering responsiveness is maintained, but the ability to serve as a multifunctional workspace during autonomous driving is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel's rotational capability is dynamically controlled based on driving mode. During autonomous driving, the controller actuates the steering wheel to a non-rotational position, creating a stable multifunctional workspace. During manual driving, the steering wheel returns to its rotational condition, ensuring reliable steering control. This dynamic reconfiguration maintains control reliability while enabling multifunctionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the autonomous driving mode signal and the steering wheel actuation mechanism. It receives the autonomous driving mode indicator and translates it into appropriate steering wheel positioning commands, ensuring smooth and reliable transitions between rotational and non-rotational states without compromising vehicle control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel structure is modified to enable rotation switching, then adaptability during autonomous driving is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical steering linkages with an electrically actuated system. The steering wheel is electrically coupled to the steering gear, and the controller electronically controls the actuation mechanism. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enabling the rotational switching functionality needed for adaptability during autonomous driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of the rotational switching mechanism. It receives autonomous driving mode signals and automatically actuates the steering wheel to the appropriate position, shielding the driver from the complexity of the switching mechanism while providing the desired adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotational control system for a steering wheel includes a steering wheel, the entire steering wheel switchable between a rotational condition and a non-rotational condition, a steering wheel angle of the entire steering wheel in a straight ahead position in the non-rotational condition. The rotational control system also includes a steering gear operatively coupled to the plurality of road wheels, the steering wheel and the steering gear electrically coupled to each other. The rotational control system further includes a controller in operative communication with the steering wheel and the steering gear, the controller configured to control the steering gear independent of the entire steering wheel when the vehicle is in an autonomous vehicle driving condition, and the controller configured to allow switching between the rotational condition and the non-rotational condition at any time while the vehicle remains in the autonomous vehicle driving condition