Vehicle Drift Control With Corrective Assistance for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated and autonomous driving systems struggle to manage the dual objectives of path tracking and restoring stability during vehicle drifting, often limiting performance to prevent tire saturation, which hinders the ability to maintain a safe and controllable drift.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous/assisted driving system that utilizes multiple vehicle actuators (throttle, steering, brakes, and clutch) to initiate and maintain a stable drift, providing corrective assistance to prevent the vehicle from entering an unstable drift, and interpreting driver inputs to achieve a desired drift condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If automated driving systems limit performance to prevent tire saturation, then vehicle stability is improved, but the ability to maintain controlled drift is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the drift control strategy based on real-time vehicle state and driver inputs. The ECU continuously monitors drift conditions and modifies actuator commands to maintain stability while permitting controlled drift, transitioning between grip driving and drift modes as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback by continuously monitoring vehicle state parameters (lateral acceleration, yaw rate, tire slip angles) and comparing them against desired drift conditions. The ECU uses this feedback to adjust actuator commands in real-time, maintaining stability while enabling drift
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple actuators are controlled to initiate and maintain drift, then drift stability is improved, but system complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: drift detection module, state estimation module, control strategy module, and actuator control module. Each module handles specific aspects of drift management, making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary control unit for drift management, state estimator, and coordination center for multiple actuators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems while maintaining comprehensive drift control
3Reliability
If the system provides corrective assistance to prevent unstable drift, then safety is improved, but driver autonomy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial corrective action rather than full autonomous intervention. When drift instability is detected, the ECU provides gentle corrective assistance through actuator adjustments rather than taking complete control, allowing the driver to maintain primary autonomy while receiving safety support
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU acts as an intermediary between the driver's control inputs and the vehicle's actual response. It monitors driver commands and subtly modifies them to prevent unstable drift conditions without completely overriding driver intent, maintaining a collaborative control relationship
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of controlling a vehicle in a stable drift are provided. With the goal of enhancing the driver experience, the disclosed drift control systems provide an interactive drift driving experience for the driver of a vehicle. In some embodiments, a driver is allowed to take manual control of a vehicle after a stable drift is initiated. For safety reasons, an assisted driving system may provide corrective assistance to prevent the vehicle from entering an unstable/unsafe drift. In other embodiments, an autonomous driving system retains control of the vehicle throughout the drift. However, the driver may perform “simulated drift maneuvers” such as counter-steering, and clutch kicking in order to communicate their desire to drift more or less aggressively. Accordingly, the autonomous driving system will effectuate the driver's communicated desire in a manner that keeps the vehicle in a safe/stable drift.