Vehicle Turn Signal Deactivation Using Actual Wheel Angle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for automatically deactivating vehicle turn signals do not accurately account for vehicle-specific characteristics, leading to incorrect timing of signal deactivation, which can be dangerous and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that uses the actual angle of the wheels relative to their upright position, rather than the steering wheel angle, to improve the accuracy of turn signal deactivation by considering vehicle-specific factors such as chassis height, wheelbase, and gearbox characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If steering wheel angle is used to control automatic deactivation of turn signals, then the deactivation can be automated, but the precision is insufficient because it does not account for vehicle-specific characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic deactivation of turn signalsVSAvoidprecision of deactivation timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from steering wheel angle to actual wheel angle. This parameter change accounts for vehicle-specific characteristics such as chassis height, wheelbase, and gearbox characteristics, thereby improving the precision of deactivation timing while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Extent of automation

If mechanical mechanism is used to return stalk to neutral position, then automatic deactivation is achieved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to wear and tear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic return of stalk to neutral positionVSAvoidreliability of mechanical mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical mechanism with an electronic control system. The electronic system uses wheel angle sensors and a control unit to detect when the vehicle has completed its turn and automatically deactivates the turn signals, eliminating wear and tear associated with mechanical components while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If steering wheel angle threshold is used for deactivation, then the system is simple to operate, but it causes premature deactivation in roundabouts requiring manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of turn signal controlVSAvoidaccuracy of deactivation timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter from steering wheel angle to actual wheel angle. This allows the system to distinguish between temporary steering inputs in roundabouts and actual completion of a turn, maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability by preventing premature deactivation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3931032B1Computer-implemented method for automatically deactivating the left or right turn signals of a vehicle at the end of a turn

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

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AI summary

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for automatically deactivating the right or left turn signals of a vehicle at the end of a turn, the method comprising steps consisting in: (a) determining, as long as the right or left turn signals are on, the steering wheel angle with respect to a neutral position in which the two steered wheels of the vehicle are straight, (b) determining (108) the average angle of the steered wheels in relation to their upright position from the steering wheel angle, (d) when the left turn signals are on, automatically deactivating (120) the left turn signals when the average wheels angle exceeds, in relative value, a first positive threshold and then, still in relative value, falls below a second positive threshold, (e) failing this, keeping (118) the left turn signals on, (f) when the right turn signals are on, automatically deactivating (120) the right turn signals when the average wheels angle (A2) falls below, in relative value, a first negative threshold (-01) and then, still in relative value, exceeds a second negative threshold, (g) failing this, keeping (118) the right turn signals on.