Vehicle Steering Synchronization via Torque Summation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle guidance systems face challenges in synchronizing multiple operating elements for wheel steering without compromising the operating feeling, such as steering feel, of individual elements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize two non-mechanically coupled operating elements to adjust wheel steering angles based on a sum of steering torques, where the target steering angle is determined by weighing the actual steering torques of each element, ensuring synchronization without negatively affecting the operating feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple operating elements are mechanically coupled for synchronized wheel steering control, then synchronization reliability is improved, but the operating feeling of individual elements is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical coupling with an electrical/control-based synchronization system. Instead of mechanically linking operating elements, the system uses a control unit to receive steering inputs from multiple independently coupled operating elements (steering wheel, pedal, joystick) and calculates appropriate wheel steering angles based on weighted sums of the inputs, achieving synchronization without mechanical constraints that would degrade operating feeling
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the multiple operating elements and the wheel steering mechanism. It receives signals from independently coupled operating elements, processes them through weighted sum calculations, and outputs coordinated wheel steering commands, enabling synchronization while preserving the natural operating feel of each element
2Ease of operation
If operating elements are not mechanically coupled to preserve operating feeling, then ease of operation is improved, but synchronization reliability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the actual steering angles from all operating elements and compares them with the target steering angles calculated from the weighted sum of steering inputs. It adjusts the wheel steering angle dynamically based on this feedback to ensure synchronization is maintained while operating elements remain independently coupled, preserving operating feeling
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the weighting factors of different operating elements based on their actual steering torques and the current steering state. This dynamic weighting allows the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and maintain reliable synchronization across different scenarios while keeping the operating elements independently coupled
3Manufacturing precision
If a sum of steering torques is used to determine target steering angle, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it receives steering inputs from different operating elements, calculates weighted sums of steering torques, determines target steering angles, and controls the wheel steering mechanism. By consolidating these functions in a single control unit, the system achieves high synchronization precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system for guiding a vehicle includes first and second operating elements, which are configured to influence a wheel steering angle of the vehicle and are not mechanically coupled to one another. A target steering angle is determined as a function of a sum of steering torques, which is dependent on a target steering torque and actual steering torques of the first and of the second operating elements. The first and second actual steering angles are adjusted as a function of the target steering angles in the respective first and second operating elements. A target wheel steering angle is determined as a function of the target steering angle, wherein the sum of steering angles includes two summands dependent on the first actual steering angle and the second actual steering angle, respectively. The wheel steering angle is adjusted as a function of the target wheel steering angle.