Vehicle Steering Mode Selection Using Torque Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack the ability to seamlessly transition between hands-on and hands-free steering modes based on real-time vehicle dynamics and road conditions, particularly during curved road navigation, which can compromise safety and driver convenience.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a computer to select between hands-on and hands-free steering modes by comparing steering torque, speed, and lateral acceleration to predefined thresholds, adjusting vehicle speed if necessary, and actuating vehicle components to maintain stable navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hands-free steering mode is implemented, then driver convenience is improved, but steering control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors steering torque, speed, and lateral acceleration to dynamically adjust steering commands. The computer receives real-time feedback from sensors about the vehicle's actual state and modifies the hands-free steering output accordingly, ensuring precise control while maintaining driver convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering control with an automated electromechanical system. The computer calculates and applies steering torque through the steering mechanism, substituting the driver's manual input with an automated system that uses sensor data and predefined thresholds to control steering actions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If steering torque threshold is increased, then hands-free mode availability is improved, but vehicle stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering torque threshold is not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on real-time vehicle conditions including speed, lateral acceleration, and steering torque. The system adapts the threshold to current operating conditions, allowing hands-free mode to be available when conditions permit while maintaining vehicle stability when conditions require closer monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the steering torque threshold parameter dynamically based on multiple input parameters including vehicle speed, lateral acceleration, and current steering torque. This allows the threshold to increase when conditions are stable (improving hands-free availability) and decrease when conditions change (maintaining stability).
3Stability of the object's composition
If speed is reduced for curved road navigation, then vehicle control stability is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts speed based on real-time conditions including curvature of the road, steering torque required, and lateral acceleration. The computer calculates the optimal speed that maintains vehicle stability through curved sections while maximizing overall travel efficiency, rather than using a fixed speed reduction approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle speed, steering torque, and lateral acceleration to provide feedback for speed adjustment. When the vehicle approaches a curved section requiring higher steering torque, the system receives feedback and automatically reduces speed to maintain stability, then resumes normal speed when the curve is navigated successfully.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a computer including a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine a steering torque of a vehicle and to select one of a hands-on mode or a hands-free mode for operating the vehicle along a portion of the roadway based on comparing the steering torque to a steering torque threshold.