Turn Signal Control via Steering Angle Sensor and Time Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turn signal switch mechanisms require manual operation to return to neutral position when the steering wheel is released at a predefined angle or less, and the mechanical canceling cam assembly size must be adjusted based on the steering column shaft diameter, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control system using a steering angle sensor and turn signal switch operation time to automatically cancel turn signals, determining operation modes based on contact signals and steering angle variations to manage turn signal lamp activation and deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mechanical canceling cam mechanism is used, then the turn signal can be automatically canceled when the steering wheel is rotated beyond a predefined angle, but the driver cannot manually return the turn signal switch to neutral position when the steering angle is at or below the predefined angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical canceling cam mechanism with an electronic control system that uses a steering angle sensor to detect steering wheel position and a controller to automatically cancel the turn signal based on detected angle thresholds, eliminating the mechanical linkage that prevented manual return at low angles
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system automatically detects when the steering wheel returns to the neutral position within a predefined angle range and autonomously cancels the turn signal without requiring any additional manual intervention from the driver, making the system self-regulating
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mechanical canceling cam assembly size is adjusted to match different steering column shaft diameters, then the turn signal mechanism can accommodate various vehicle models, but the overall system complexity and manufacturing variability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical canceling cam assembly entirely and replaces it with an electronic steering angle sensor and controller system that can adapt to different steering column shaft diameters through software configuration rather than physical reconfiguration, standardizing the hardware across all vehicle models
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system serves multiple functions: it detects steering angle, determines when to cancel the turn signal, and can be programmed with different angle thresholds for different vehicle models, making a single universal system replace multiple mechanically-configured systems
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a turn signal includes a turn signal switch configured to include at least one of operation modes of a lane change mode and a turn mode. A steering angle sensor is configured to detect a steering angle of a vehicle. A controller is configured to control the turn signal switch to turn on and off a turn signal lamp according to an operation mode and to turn off the turn signal lamp in at least one of a case in which the steering angle, which returns in a reverse direction to a course change direction detected by the steering angle sensor, reaches a preset angle and a case in which an operation time of the turn signal switch exceeds a preset time.