Steering Wheel Touch Confirmation for Semi-Automated Lane Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semi-automated driving systems, especially at 'Level 2', the current methods for confirming lane changes are inconvenient, particularly when 'hands-free in-lane driving' is employed, as they require the driver to manually operate the steering wheel or turn signals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a touch sensor on the manually operated steering wheel allows for the confirmation and initiation of lane changes through simple touch, eliminating the need for manual steering wheel operation or turn signal activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver manually operates the steering wheel or turn signal to confirm lane change, then the lane change confirmation is reliable, but the ease of operation deteriorates during hands-free driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction (manual steering wheel operation or turn signal activation) with a capacitive touch sensor system. The touch sensor detects electrical field changes caused by the driver's finger contact, enabling confirmation without mechanical steering input. This substitution maintains reliability through deliberate driver action while improving ease of operation during hands-free driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive touch sensor acts as an intermediary between the driver and the lane change confirmation system. Instead of directly manipulating steering components, the driver simply touches the steering wheel surface, and the touch sensor mediates this simple action into a confirmed lane change command. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between minimal driver input and reliable confirmation.
2Ease of operation
If the driver touches the steering wheel to confirm lane change, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to touch sensor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive touch sensor integrated into the steering wheel serves multiple functions: it detects driver presence, enables lane change confirmation, and can potentially support other control functions. By making the steering wheel surface multi-functional, the patent improves ease of operation without requiring separate dedicated confirmation devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lane change confirmation function with the existing steering wheel structure. The capacitive touch sensor is integrated into the steering wheel rather than being a separate control device, combining the confirmation mechanism with the familiar steering interface. This merging approach improves ease of operation while minimizing added complexity by utilizing existing structural elements.
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
This solution simplifies the semi-automatic lane change process for drivers, enhancing comfort and reducing the complexity of confirming lane changes during 'hands-free in-lane driving'.
Implementation Method 1
A touch sensor, which may be designed as a capacitive touch sensor in particular, is often already installed as standard in a motor vehicle set up for L2 operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the automatic lane change of a motor vehicle from a first lane into an adjacent second lane of a roadway with at least two lanes. According to the method, the motor vehicle pulls into the first lane in a semi-automated manner. When pulling into the first lane, a driver of the motor vehicle does not touch a manually operated steering wheel of the motor vehicle for adjusting the direction of travel (FR) of the motor vehicle. In addition, while pulling into the first lane in a semi-automated manner, the motor vehicle automatically executes the suggested lane change from the first lane to the second lane after the driver has confirmed the suggestion to change lanes. According to the disclosure, the driver confirms the suggestion by touching the manually operated steering wheel at least temporarily.