Vehicle Operating Unit Decoupling to Prevent False Function Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle operating devices with integrated functions suffer from undesired interactions between vehicle functions due to incomplete decoupling, leading to unintentional actuation and reduced operational safety and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that modify control variables of non-actively controlled vehicle functions to prevent unintentional actuation by using deadbands, offsets, modification factors, and compensation torques, based on actuation degree, driving state, and environmental conditions, ensuring decoupling and flexibility in vehicle function control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If several vehicle functions are integrated into a single operating unit, then the number of operating units is reduced and vehicle sensor system can be simplified, but unintentional interactions between vehicle functions occur leading to operational safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control of different vehicle functions by introducing function-specific control variables that can be independently adjusted. Each vehicle function (steering, acceleration, braking) has its own control variable that can be modified to prevent unintentional interactions, while still using a single integrated operating unit. This allows the system to maintain integration benefits while preventing harmful cross-contamination between functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies control variables of non-actively controlled vehicle functions dynamically based on the active function's state. By changing parameters such as control sensitivity, deadband ranges, or activation thresholds of inactive functions, the system prevents unintentional actuation while maintaining the integrated operating unit structure. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing integration without sacrificing operational safety.
2Reliability
If control variables of non-actively controlled functions are modified to prevent unintentional actuation, then operational safety is improved, but the flexibility and responsiveness of the operating device may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of control variables based on real-time operating conditions. The control variables of non-actively controlled functions are not fixed but are continuously adapted according to the current active function, degree of actuation, and driving state. This dynamic approach ensures that operational safety is maintained through modified control variables while preserving flexibility, as the system can adapt its responsiveness based on contextual needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the degree of actuation and driving state, then uses this feedback to adjust the control variables of non-actively controlled functions. This closed-loop control ensures that the modification of control variables is not arbitrary but responds to actual operating conditions, maintaining both safety and flexibility by adapting the level of restriction based on real-time needs.
3Reliability
If deadbands and offsets are applied to control variables to prevent unintentional actuation, then false activations are reduced, but the precision of control input detection may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies deadbands and offsets locally to specific control variables of specific non-actively controlled functions rather than uniformly to all functions. Each function's control variable is adjusted according to its specific risk profile and interaction potential with active functions. This localized approach prevents false activations where needed while maintaining high detection precision for other functions where precision is more critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric deadband and offset values tailored to each function's characteristics and risk profile. Rather than using symmetric, uniform adjustments, the control variables are modified asymmetrically based on the specific function's susceptibility to unintentional actuation. This allows precise control over where and how much precision is sacrificed for safety, optimizing the balance between false activation prevention and detection precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for operating a vehicle operating device. The vehicle operating device is for influencing a longitudinal and/or lateral movement of a vehicle. The vehicle operating device includes at least one operating unit, which can be manually actuated for controlling multiple vehicle functions. In at least one actuation state, in which one of the vehicle functions is actively controlled by the operating unit, at least one control variable of a non-actively controlled vehicle function is modified, such that an unintentional actuation and/or activation of the non-actively controlled vehicle function is impeded and/or prevented.