Steering Wheel Rotational Control for Vehicle Driving Mode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operator control elements in vehicles, such as selector levers, are expensive and inflexible, particularly in hybrid and electric vehicles where hydraulic transmissions are not applicable, and lack simplicity and safety in mode selection.
Innovation Solution
A rotational element on the steering wheel with a sensing element that detects rotation and position, allowing for easy selection of driving modes by counting steps, accompanied by a display system and electronic evaluation for mode determination and communication via data bus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a selector lever connected mechanically to a valve actuator is used, then driving position can be set hydraulically, but the device becomes expensive and inflexible for modern vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection between selector lever and valve actuator with an electronic sensing system. The sensing element detects rotational position and direction electronically, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages and hydraulic actuators, thereby reducing complexity and improving adaptability to different vehicle types including hybrids and electric vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the sensing function from the mechanical selector lever system. By using a separate sensing element that detects rotation independently, the patent separates the control input (rotational element) from the actuation mechanism, allowing the system to work with various transmission types without requiring mechanical connections
2Device complexity
If a rotational element with sensing element is used, then device simplicity and cost are reduced, but reliable detection of rotational position and direction must be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing element provides continuous feedback on rotational position and direction to the evaluation electronic system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to accurately determine the selected driving mode by counting rotational steps and detecting stationary positions, achieving reliable measurement without complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing element acts as an intermediary between the rotational element and the evaluation electronic system. It converts mechanical rotation into detectable signals that can be processed electronically, enabling accurate position and direction detection while maintaining system simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driving modes are selected by rotational steps, then mode selection flexibility is improved, but the number of detectable positions must be sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines driving mode selection based on the number of rotational steps and detection of stationary positions. The evaluation electronic system adapts to different driving modes by counting steps and identifying when the rotational element stops, allowing flexible mode selection without requiring a fixed large number of positions
Data Source
AI summary
An operator control element (1) for selecting and setting a driving mode of the vehicle, wherein a rotational element (2) on the steering wheel of the vehicle is provided with a sensing element (3) which detects the rotation of the rotational element (2) and the stationary position of the rotational element, wherein the rotation of the rotational element can be sensed by counting the rotational steps, wherein a position and sequence of the rotational steps is assigned to each selectable driving mode, with the result that the driving modes are selected by rotating the rotational element to a stationary position and by counting the rotational steps when the rotational direction is detected.