Steering Wheel Hands-On Detection Using Torque Frequency Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting hands on/off of a steering wheel using torque sensors are prone to errors and require additional sensors, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
Performing a frequency analysis on the torque value of a steering wheel using an existing torque sensor, converting the torque value to a frequency domain, and employing a sliding window method to determine hands on/off states based on amplitude values and counters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate sensor is added to the steering wheel for hands on/off detection, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque sensor performs dual functions: measuring torque for steering control and detecting hands on/off status through frequency analysis of torque signal characteristics. This eliminates the need for a separate hands-on detection sensor while maintaining accurate detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing torque sensor's signal is reused for hands on/off detection by analyzing its frequency characteristics. The system serves itself by extracting additional information from the torque sensor's output without requiring external dedicated sensors.
2Ease of operation
If the torque sensor measurement value is compared to a threshold value, then the detection method is simple, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to erroneous hands off determination
Solution Approach 1:
The detection approach changes from comparing amplitude (threshold value) to analyzing frequency characteristics. By examining the frequency spectrum of the torque signal, the system can distinguish between genuine hands-off conditions and situations where the driver is holding the wheel, resolving the accuracy issue while maintaining computational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure detects hands on/off by performing a frequency analysis based on a torque value of a steering wheel, so that it is possible to improve performance of hands on/off determination by using only an existing torque sensor even without requiring an additional sensor for detecting hands on/off.