Steering Wheel Capacitive Layout for Skeleton Connection Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel arrangements in semi-autonomous or fully autonomous vehicles struggle to verify the status of the skeleton connection easily and inexpensively, which is crucial for driving safety.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel arrangement with a steering wheel skeleton made of metallic material, featuring a first and second conductive layer forming inter-layer and skeleton capacitors, respectively, and an evaluation device to assess the skeleton connection by measuring partial voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hands-on detection systems are implemented using capacitance measurement, then driving safety monitoring is improved, but the ability to verify skeleton connection status becomes difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The existing capacitive sensor structure is made multi-functional by utilizing the second conductive layer and steering wheel skeleton not only for hands-on detection but also for skeleton connection verification. The same capacitive measurement infrastructure serves dual purposes: monitoring driver hand presence and verifying the electrical connection status of the steering wheel skeleton to ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of the skeleton connection using its own internal capacitive structure without requiring external verification devices. The evaluation device uses the inherent capacitance formed by the second conductive layer and steering wheel skeleton to automatically detect connection status, making the system self-diagnosing.
2Reliability
If additional verification devices are added to check skeleton connection, then verification reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - hands-on detection and skeleton connection verification - eliminating the need for separate verification hardware and reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing capacitive components (second conductive layer and steering wheel skeleton) to verify connection status, rather than requiring external verification devices, thereby avoiding additional manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If the steering wheel skeleton is made of metallic material for conductivity, then electrical connection is improved, but detection of connection defects becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The second conductive layer acts as an intermediary between the metallic steering wheel skeleton and the evaluation circuitry. It forms a measurable capacitance with the skeleton that provides an electrical interface for detecting connection defects without directly exposing the evaluation device to the high-conductivity metallic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct electrical continuity testing with capacitive coupling measurement. Instead of trying to detect defects in the highly conductive metallic skeleton through direct electrical contact, the system measures the capacitance formed between the second conductive layer and the skeleton, which provides a more sensitive and easier-to-measure parameter for detecting connection status.
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 proposed solution allows for reliable and cost-effective verification of the skeleton connection, ensuring driving safety by detecting defects in the skeleton connection, which can impact hands-on detection systems.
Implementation Method 1
An inter-layer capacitance is formed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer
Implementation Method 2
A skeleton capacitance is formed between the second conductive layer and the steering wheel skeleton
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering wheel arrangement 1 for a vehicle comprising a steering wheel device 2, wherein: the steering wheel device 2 has a steering wheel skeleton 3, a first conductive layer 6 and a second conductive layer 8; an inter-layer capacitor C_Layer_12 is formed between the first conductive layer 6 and the second conductive layer 8; a skeleton capacitor C_Skeleton is formed between the second conductive layer 8 and the steering wheel skeleton 3; the steering wheel skeleton 3 can be and/or is coupled to an earth M of the vehicle via a skeleton connection 13; the inter-layer capacitor C_Layer_12 and the skeleton capacitor C_Skeleton form a capacitive voltage divider for a voltage present at the first conductive layer 6; and a partial voltage can be sensed at the second conductive layer 8. The steering wheel arrangement also comprises an evaluation device 16, wherein the evaluation device 16 is designed to detect the partial voltage at the second conductive layer 8 and, on the basis of the detected partial voltage, assess the skeleton connection 13 to be OK, or not OK.