U.S. patent application number 16/176586 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-30 for methods for steering system impedance control.
The applicant listed for this patent is GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. Invention is credited to Raed N. Abuaita, Yu Cao, Bo Yu.
Application Number | 20200130723 16/176586 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70328207 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200130723 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cao; Yu ; et al. |
April 30, 2020 |
METHODS FOR STEERING SYSTEM IMPEDANCE CONTROL
Abstract
An exemplary method for controlling a vehicle includes providing
a vehicle steering system including a moveable steering column
assembly and a moveable steering wheel assembly, a first actuator
and a second actuator, the first and second actuators configured to
move vehicle steering system from a first position to a second
position, providing a plurality of sensors, the sensors configured
to measure a force characteristic, providing a controller
electronically connected to the sensors and the vehicle steering
system, monitoring first sensor data received from the first sensor
and second sensor data received from the second sensor, generating
a reference model based on a desired output displacement and the
first and second sensor data, calculating, a revised output
displacement based on the reference model, and automatically
generating a first control signal to control the first actuator and
a second control signal to control the second actuator.
Inventors: |
Cao; Yu; (Courtice, CA)
; Yu; Bo; (Novi, MI) ; Abuaita; Raed N.;
(Fenton, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC |
DETROIT |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
70328207 |
Appl. No.: |
16/176586 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 1/06 20130101; B62D
1/181 20130101; B62D 1/183 20130101; B62D 1/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62D 1/181 20060101
B62D001/181; B62D 1/04 20060101 B62D001/04; B62D 1/183 20060101
B62D001/183 |
Claims
1. A method for controlling a vehicle, the method comprising:
providing a vehicle steering system, the vehicle steering system
comprising a moveable steering column assembly and a moveable
steering wheel assembly, a first actuator coupled to the moveable
steering column assembly and a second actuator coupled to the
moveable steering wheel assembly, the first and second actuators
configured to move vehicle steering system from a first position to
a second position; providing a sensor connected to the vehicle
steering system, the sensor configured to measure a steering system
force characteristic; providing a controller electronically
connected to the sensor and the vehicle steering system;
monitoring, by the controller, sensor data received from the
sensor; generating, by the controller, a reference model based on a
desired output displacement and the sensor data; calculating, by
the controller, a revised output displacement based on the
reference model; and automatically generating, by the controller, a
first control signal to control the first actuator and a second
control signal to control the second actuator.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the controller calculates the
revised output displacement using impedance control.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first actuator is configured
to translate the steering column assembly from a first steering
column position to a second steering column position and the first
steering column position is an unstowed steering column position
and the second steering column position is a stowed steering column
position.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second actuator is configured
to translate the steering wheel assembly from a first steering
wheel position to a second steering wheel position and the first
steering wheel position is an unstowed steering wheel position and
the second steering wheel position is a stowed steering wheel
position.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising detecting, by the
controller, a trigger condition, the trigger condition comprising
receipt, by the controller, of an input indicating a mode
transition.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the mode transition is a
transition from a driver-controlled vehicle mode of operation to an
autonomous or semi-autonomous mode of operation.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein providing a sensor electrically
connected to the vehicle steering system comprises providing a
first sensor electrically connected to the steering column assembly
and a second sensor connected to the steering wheel assembly, the
first sensor configured to measure a first force characteristic and
the second sensor configured to measure a second force
characteristic.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first sensor is a force
sensor and the first sensor data is data indicative of a first
external force applied to the steering column assembly.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the second sensor is a force
sensor and the second sensor data is indicative of a second
external force applied to the steering wheel assembly.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising determining, by the
controller, whether a first condition is satisfied, the first
condition comprising a release of one or both of the first external
force on the steering column assembly and the second external force
on the steering wheel assembly.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein if the first condition is not
satisfied, determining, by the controller, an elapsed time and
comparing, by the controller, the elapsed time to a predetermined
threshold and if the elapsed time exceeds the threshold,
automatically controlling, by the controller, the first actuator to
move the steering column assembly to the first steering column
position and automatically controlling, by the controller, the
second actuator to move the steering wheel assembly to the first
steering wheel position.
12. A method for controlling a vehicle, the method comprising:
providing a vehicle steering system, the vehicle steering system
comprising a moveable steering column assembly and a moveable
steering wheel assembly, the moveable steering column assembly
comprising a first actuator coupled to the moveable steering column
assembly and configured to translate the moveable steering column
assembly between a first steering column position and a second
steering column position, the moveable steering wheel assembly
comprising a first steering wheel member and a second steering
wheel member coupled to a shroud assembly, a contact material
positioned between the first and second steering wheel members and
the shroud assembly, and a second actuator coupled to the moveable
steering wheel assembly, the second actuator configured to pivot
moveable steering wheel assembly between a first steering wheel
position and a second steering wheel position; providing a first
sensor connected to the steering column assembly and a second
sensor connected to the steering wheel assembly, the first sensor
configured to measure a first force characteristic and the second
sensor configured to measure a second force characteristic;
providing a controller electronically connected to the first and
second sensors and the vehicle steering system; monitoring, by the
controller, first sensor data received from the first sensor and
second sensor data received from the second sensor; generating, by
the controller, a reference model based on a desired output
displacement and the first and second sensor data; calculating, by
the controller, a revised output displacement based on the
reference model; and automatically generating, by the controller, a
first control signal to control the first actuator and a second
control signal to control the second actuator.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first steering column
position is an unstowed steering column position, the second
steering column position is a stowed steering column position, the
first steering wheel position is an unstowed steering wheel
position, and the second steering wheel position is a stowed
steering wheel position.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first sensor is a force
sensor and the first sensor data is data indicative of a first
external force applied to the steering column assembly and the
second sensor is a force sensor and the second sensor data is
indicative of a second external force applied to the steering wheel
assembly.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the controller calculates the
revised output displacement using impedance control.
16. The method of claim 12 further comprising determining, by the
controller, whether a first condition is satisfied, the first
condition comprising a release of one or both of the first external
force on the steering column assembly and the second external force
on the steering wheel assembly.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein if the first condition is not
satisfied, determining, by the controller, an elapsed time and
comparing, by the controller, the elapsed time to a predetermined
threshold and if the elapsed time exceeds the threshold,
automatically controlling, by the controller, the first actuator to
move the steering column assembly to the first steering column
position and automatically controlling, by the controller, the
second actuator to move the steering wheel assembly to the first
steering wheel position.
18. A vehicle steering system, comprising: a moveable steering
column assembly, the moveable steering column assembly comprising a
first actuator coupled to the moveable steering column assembly and
configured to translate the moveable steering column assembly
between a first position and a second position; a moveable steering
wheel assembly, the moveable steering wheel assembly comprising a
first steering wheel member and a second steering wheel member
coupled to a shroud assembly, a contact material positioned between
the first and second steering wheel members and the shroud
assembly, and a second actuator coupled to the moveable steering
wheel assembly, the second actuator configured to pivot moveable
steering wheel assembly between a first steering wheel position and
a second steering wheel position; a first sensor connected to the
steering column assembly, the first sensor configured to measure a
first force characteristic; a second sensor connected to the
steering wheel assembly, the second sensor configured to measure a
second force characteristic; a controller electronically connected
to the first and second sensors and the first and second actuators,
the controller configured to monitor first sensor data received
from the first sensor and second sensor data received from the
second sensor; generate a reference model based on a desired output
displacement and the first and second sensor data; calculate a
revised output displacement based on the reference model using
impedance control; and automatically generate a first control
signal to control the first actuator and a second control signal to
control the second actuator.
19. The vehicle steering system of claim 18, wherein the controller
is further configured to determine whether a first condition is
satisfied, the first condition comprising a release of one or both
of the first external force on the steering column assembly and the
second external force on the steering wheel assembly and, if the
first condition is not satisfied, determine an elapsed time and
compare the elapsed time to a predetermined threshold and if the
elapsed time exceeds the threshold, automatically control the first
actuator to move the steering column assembly to the first steering
column position and automatically control the second actuator to
move the steering wheel assembly to the first steering wheel
position.
Description
INTRODUCTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
vehicles and, more specifically, to steering wheels and steering
columns for motor vehicles.
[0002] Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles may include a
telescoping steering column to allow the steering wheel to retract
away from the occupant or a foldable steering wheel, among other
possible retracting mechanisms, to provide more space in the
vehicle cabin. During a retracting, folding, or stowing operation
in which the steering wheel column is moving in the axial
direction, interference with the retracting, folding, or stowing
operation, such as a pinch event, can occur. Methods to provide
impedance control for a steering system and prevent pinching events
could prevent bodily harm to the occupant and interrupted
functionality to the retracting mechanism.
SUMMARY
[0003] Embodiments according to the present disclosure provide a
number of advantages. For example, embodiments according to the
present disclosure apply impedance control of movement of the
steering wheel column overload as one method to protect an occupant
from pinch events caused by movement of the steering wheel and/or
steering wheel column during a stowing event. The impedance control
enables a soft contact between the retracting mechanism(s) and the
operator's hands. In some embodiments, use of an elastic material
at potential pinch points expands the contact area and reduces the
possibility of injury to the operator.
[0004] In one aspect, a method for controlling a vehicle is
disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a vehicle
steering system, the vehicle steering system including a moveable
steering column assembly and a moveable steering wheel assembly, a
first actuator coupled to the moveable steering column assembly and
a second actuator coupled to the moveable steering wheel assembly,
the first and second actuators configured to move vehicle steering
system from a first position to a second position, providing a
first sensor connected to the steering column assembly and a second
sensor connected to the steering wheel assembly, the first sensor
configured to measure a first force characteristic and the second
sensor configured to measure a second force characteristic,
providing a controller electronically connected to the first and
second sensors and the vehicle steering system, monitoring, by the
controller, first sensor data received from the first sensor and
second sensor data received from the second sensor, generating, by
the controller, a reference model based on a desired output
displacement and the first and second sensor data, calculating, by
the controller, a revised output displacement based on the
reference model, and automatically generating, by the controller, a
first control signal to control the first actuator and a second
control signal to control the second actuator.
[0005] In some aspects, the first actuator is configured to
translate the steering column assembly from a first steering column
position to a second steering column position.
[0006] In some aspects, the first steering column position is an
unstowed steering column position and the second steering column
position is a stowed steering column position.
[0007] In some aspects, the second actuator is configured to
translate the steering wheel assembly from a first steering wheel
position to a second steering wheel position.
[0008] In some aspects, the first steering wheel position is an
unstowed steering wheel position and the second steering wheel
position is a stowed steering wheel position.
[0009] In some aspects, the method further includes detecting, by
the controller, a trigger condition, the trigger condition
including receipt, by the controller, of an input indicating a mode
transition.
[0010] In some aspects, the mode transition is a transition from a
driver-controlled vehicle mode of operation to an autonomous or
semi-autonomous mode of operation.
[0011] In some aspects, the first sensor is a force sensor and the
first sensor data is data indicative of a first external force
applied to the steering column assembly.
[0012] In some aspects, the second sensor is a force sensor and the
second sensor data is indicative of a second external force applied
to the steering wheel assembly.
[0013] In some aspects, the controller calculates the revised
output displacement using impedance control.
[0014] In some aspects, the method further includes determining, by
the controller, whether a first condition is satisfied, the first
condition including a release of one or both of the first external
force on the steering column assembly and the second external force
on the steering wheel assembly.
[0015] In some aspects, if the first condition is not satisfied,
the method includes determining, by the controller, an elapsed time
and comparing, by the controller, the elapsed time to a
predetermined threshold and if the elapsed time exceeds the
threshold, automatically controlling, by the controller, the first
actuator to move the steering column assembly to the first steering
column position and automatically controlling, by the controller,
the second actuator to move the steering wheel assembly to the
first steering wheel position.
[0016] In another aspect, a method for controlling a vehicle
includes the steps of providing a vehicle steering system, the
vehicle steering system including a moveable steering column
assembly and a moveable steering wheel assembly, the moveable
steering column assembly including a first actuator coupled to the
moveable steering column assembly and configured to translate the
moveable steering column assembly between a first steering column
position and a second steering column position, the moveable
steering wheel assembly including a first steering wheel member and
a second steering wheel member coupled to a shroud assembly, a
contact material positioned between the first and second steering
wheel members and the shroud assembly, and a second actuator
coupled to the moveable steering wheel assembly, the second
actuator configured to pivot moveable steering wheel assembly
between a first steering wheel position and a second steering wheel
position, providing a first sensor connected to the steering column
assembly and a second sensor connected to the steering wheel
assembly, the first sensor configured to measure a first force
characteristic and the second sensor configured to measure a second
force characteristic, and providing a controller electronically
connected to the first and second sensors and the vehicle steering
system. The controller monitors first sensor data received from the
first sensor and second sensor data received from the second
sensor, generates a reference model based on a desired output
displacement and the first and second sensor data, calculates a
revised output displacement based on the reference model, and
automatically generates a first control signal to control the first
actuator and a second control signal to control the second
actuator.
[0017] In some aspects, the first steering column position is an
unstowed steering column position, the second steering column
position is a stowed steering column position, the first steering
wheel position is an unstowed steering wheel position, and the
second steering wheel position is a stowed steering wheel
position.
[0018] In some aspects, the first sensor is a force sensor and the
first sensor data is data indicative of a first external force
applied to the steering column assembly and the second sensor is a
force sensor and the second sensor data is indicative of a second
external force applied to the steering wheel assembly.
[0019] In some aspects, the controller calculates the revised
output displacement using impedance control.
[0020] In some aspects, the method further includes determining, by
the controller, whether a first condition is satisfied, the first
condition including a release of one or both of the first external
force on the steering column assembly and the second external force
on the steering wheel assembly.
[0021] In some aspects, if the first condition is not satisfied,
the method includes determining, by the controller, an elapsed time
and comparing, by the controller, the elapsed time to a
predetermined threshold and if the elapsed time exceeds the
threshold, automatically controlling, by the controller, the first
actuator to move the steering column assembly to the first steering
column position and automatically controlling, by the controller,
the second actuator to move the steering wheel assembly to the
first steering wheel position.
[0022] In yet another aspect, a vehicle steering system includes a
moveable steering column assembly, the moveable steering column
assembly including a first actuator coupled to the moveable
steering column assembly and configured to translate the moveable
steering column assembly between a first position and a second
position, a moveable steering wheel assembly, the moveable steering
wheel assembly including a first steering wheel member and a second
steering wheel member coupled to a shroud assembly, a contact
material positioned between the first and second steering wheel
members and the shroud assembly, and a second actuator coupled to
the moveable steering wheel assembly, the second actuator
configured to pivot moveable steering wheel assembly between a
first steering wheel position and a second steering wheel position,
a first sensor connected to the steering column assembly, the first
sensor configured to measure a first force characteristic, a second
sensor connected to the steering wheel assembly, the second sensor
configured to measure a second force characteristic, and a
controller electronically connected to the first and second sensors
and the first and second actuators. The controller is configured to
monitor first sensor data received from the first sensor and second
sensor data received from the second sensor, generate a reference
model based on a desired output displacement and the first and
second sensor data, calculate a revised output displacement based
on the reference model using impedance control, and automatically
generate a first control signal to control the first actuator and a
second control signal to control the second actuator.
[0023] In some aspects, the controller is further configured to
determine whether a first condition is satisfied, the first
condition including a release of one or both of the first external
force on the steering column assembly and the second external force
on the steering wheel assembly and, if the first condition is not
satisfied, determine an elapsed time and compare the elapsed time
to a predetermined threshold and if the elapsed time exceeds the
threshold, automatically control the first actuator to move the
steering column assembly to the first steering column position and
automatically control the second actuator to move the steering
wheel assembly to the first steering wheel position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The present disclosure will be described in conjunction with
the following figures, wherein like numerals denote like
elements.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle, according to an
embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a steering system of a
vehicle, according to an embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 3 is another schematic diagram of the steering system
of FIG. 2 illustrating aspects of a steering wheel assembly and
steering column assembly of the steering system, according to an
embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method to control a vehicle,
specifically a steering system of a vehicle, according to an
embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a feedback control system used
to implement the method illustrated in FIG. 4, according to an
embodiment.
[0030] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure
will become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several
embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be
considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described
with additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings. Any dimensions disclosed in the drawings or
elsewhere herein are for the purpose of illustration only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein.
It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are
merely examples and other embodiments can take various and
alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some
features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of
particular components. Therefore, specific structural and
functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as
limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one
skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. As
those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various
features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the
figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more
other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly
illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated
provide representative embodiments for typical applications.
Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent
with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired
for particular applications or implementations.
[0032] Certain terminology may be used in the following description
for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be
limiting. For example, terms such as "above" and "below" refer to
directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such
as "front," "back," "left," "right," "rear," and "side" describe
the orientation and/or location of portions of the components or
elements within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which
is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings
describing the components or elements under discussion. Moreover,
terms such as "first," "second," "third," and so on may be used to
describe separate components. Such terminology may include the
words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words
of similar import.
[0033] Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles may include a
telescoping steering column or shaft that allows the steering wheel
to be stowed within the dashboard when not in use to increase the
amount of usable space within the passenger compartment. However,
during stowing or unstowing operations, contact with the
telescoping column may result in an overload condition that impairs
steering column functionality. Additionally, the occupant's hand or
finger may be pinched or caught by the moving components of the
telescoping column assembly. The methods discussed herein detect
overload and pinch events during the stowing and/or unstowing
and/or folding operation of the steering column and incorporate
control system responses to stop/reverse/pause/etc. the
translational motion of the steering column assembly.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 1, a vehicle 100 is shown that
includes a steering system 112 in accordance with various
embodiments. Although the figures shown herein depict an example
with certain arrangements of elements, additional intervening
elements, devices, features, or components may be present in an
actual embodiment. It should also be understood that FIG. 1 is
merely illustrative and may not be drawn to scale.
[0035] As depicted in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 generally includes a
chassis 104, a body 106, front wheels 108, rear wheels 110, a
steering system 112, and a control system 116. The body 106 is
arranged on the chassis 104 and substantially encloses the other
components of the vehicle 100. The body 106 and the chassis 104 may
jointly form a frame. The wheels 108-110 are each rotationally
coupled to the chassis 104 near a respective corner of the body
106.
[0036] As can be appreciated, the vehicle 100 may be any one of a
number of different types of automobiles, such as, for example, a
sedan, a wagon, a truck, or a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and may
be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel
drive), four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The
vehicle 100 may also incorporate any one of, or combination of, a
number of different types of propulsion systems, such as, for
example, a gasoline or diesel fueled combustion engine, a "flex
fuel vehicle" (FFV) engine (i.e., using a mixture of gasoline and
ethanol), a gaseous compound (e.g., hydrogen or natural gas) fueled
engine, a combustion/electric motor hybrid engine, and an electric
motor.
[0037] In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 is an autonomous or
semi-autonomous vehicle. The vehicle 100, in some embodiments,
incorporates various automated driver-assistance systems, such as
cruise control, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistance
systems correspond to lower automation levels, while true
"driverless" vehicles correspond to higher automation levels. In
some embodiments, the vehicle 100 includes a stowable steering
system 112 that may be stowed within the vehicle console when
desired by the vehicle operator or occupant to obtain greater space
within the passenger compartment.
[0038] In some embodiments, the steering system 112 includes a
steering column assembly 118 and a steering wheel assembly 120. The
steering column assembly 118 can be a collapsible assembly such
that the steering column assembly 118 and the steering wheel
assembly 120 can translate axially from a first, or unstowed,
position to a second, or stowed, position, or any intermediate
position between an unstowed or stowed position, as indicated by
the arrow 119. In various embodiments, the steering system 112 is a
steer-by-wire system that makes use of electric motors to provide
steering assist, sensors to measure steering wheel angle and torque
applied by the operator, and a steering wheel emulator to provide
torque feedback to the driver. In some embodiments, the steering
wheel assembly 120 includes a foldable steering wheel that folds to
a smaller profile for easier storage when the steering wheel
assembly 120 is in the stowed position.
[0039] In various embodiments, the steering system 112 includes at
least one motor or actuator 122 that is coupled to the steering
column assembly 118 (one motor 122 is shown in FIG. 1). In some
embodiments, the motor 122 provides force to the road wheels 108 or
provides torque feedback to the vehicle operator for a
steer-by-wire steering system 12. In some embodiments, the motor
122 can be coupled to the rotatable shaft of the steering column
assembly 118 to enable telescoping functionality of the steering
column assembly 118. In some embodiments, one or more motors 122
may be coupled to the steering column assembly 118, with a first
motor providing force to the road wheels 108 and a second motor or
actuator 122 enabling telescoping functionality of the steering
column assembly 118 along a longitudinal axis A of the steering
column assembly (see FIG. 3). The actuator 122 moves the steering
column assembly between a first steering column position and a
second steering column position. As discussed herein, operation of
the one or more motors 122 can be monitored and controlled by the
control system 116 to determine if an overload and/or pinch
condition exists.
[0040] The steering system 112 further includes one or more sensors
that sense observable conditions of the steering system 112. In
various embodiments, the steering system 112 includes a torque
sensor 124 and a steering angle sensor 126. The torque sensor 124
senses a rotational torque applied to the steering system by for
example, a driver of the vehicle 100 via the steering wheel
assembly 120 and generates torque signals based thereon. The
steering angle sensor 126 senses a rotational position of the
steering wheel 120 and generates position signals based
thereon.
[0041] With further reference to FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 also
includes a plurality of sensors 26 configured to measure and
capture data on one or more vehicle characteristics, including but
not limited to vehicle speed, vehicle heading, throttle position,
ignition status, displacement of a retractable steering column,
position of a foldable steering wheel member, etc. The sensors 26
are electronically connected to the control system 116 and provide
data on vehicle characteristics and operating conditions. In the
illustrated embodiment, the sensors 26 include, but are not limited
to, an accelerometer, a position sensor, a speed sensor, a heading
sensor, gyroscope, steering angle sensor, or other sensors that
sense observable conditions of the vehicle or the environment
surrounding the vehicle and may include RADAR, LIDAR, optical
cameras, thermal cameras, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors,
pressures sensors, contact sensors, and/or additional sensors as
appropriate.
[0042] The control system 116 includes a controller 22. While
depicted as a single unit for illustrative purposes, the controller
22 may additionally include one or more other controllers,
collectively referred to as a "controller." The controller 22 may
include a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU) or
graphical processing unit (GPU) in communication with various types
of computer readable storage devices or media. Computer readable
storage devices or media may include volatile and nonvolatile
storage in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and
keep-alive memory (KAM), for example. KAM is a persistent or
non-volatile memory that may be used to store various operating
variables while the CPU is powered down. Computer-readable storage
devices or media may be implemented using any of a number of known
memory devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory),
EPROMs (electrically PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM),
flash memory, or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or
combination memory devices capable of storing data, some of which
represent executable instructions, used by the controller 22 in
controlling the vehicle.
[0043] The control system 116 receives the sensor signals and
monitors and/or controls operation of the steering system 112 based
thereon. In general, the control system 116 receives the sensor
signals, and processes the sensor signals over a certain time
period to calculate the new desired output displacement based on
the feedback force and a pre-set reference model to estimate an
interference force, for example and without limitation. In some
embodiments, the control system 116 is coupled to the steering
column assembly 118.
[0044] The vehicle 100 may further include an audio and/or video
device 44 coupled to the controller 22 and/or the controller 222.
The audio and/or video device 44 is operable to communicate a
message to an occupant of the vehicle 100, through either audio or
video outputs. For example, the audio and/or video device 44 may
include, but is not limited to, speakers, a video screen, or a
combination of both. The audio and/or video device 44 is in
electronic communication with the controller 22 and/or the
controller 222, which provides the output signal for the audio
and/or video device 44.
[0045] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a steering wheel assembly 120,
according to an embodiment. The steering wheel assembly 120
includes a foldable steering wheel 201 that includes a first
steering wheel member 202 and a second steering wheel member 204
coupled to a steering wheel mount and shroud assembly 206. In some
embodiments, the first steering wheel member 202 is coupled to the
steering wheel mount and shroud assembly 206 at a pivoting member
203, and the second steering wheel member 204 is coupled to the
steering wheel mount and shroud assembly 206 at a pivoting member
205.
[0046] The pivoting member 203 allows the first steering wheel
member 202 to rotate from a first, or unstowed, position to a
second, or stowed, position, or any intermediate position between
an unstowed or stowed position, as indicated by the arrow 219 in
FIG. 2. Similarly, the pivoting member 205 allows the second
steering wheel member 204 to rotate from a first, or unstowed,
position to a second, or stowed, position, or any intermediate
position between an unstowed or stowed position. In some
embodiments, a pivot action actuator 213 is positioned within the
shroud assembly 206, along a longitudinal axis A of the steering
column assembly 118. The actuator 213 acts on each of the first and
second steering wheel members 202, 204 to pivot the steering wheel
members 202, 204 to and from a first steering wheel position and a
second steering wheel position.
[0047] With further reference to FIG. 3, the pivot action actuator
213 and the telescoping actuator 122 are electrically connected,
via a wired or wireless connection, to a controller 222. In some
embodiments, the controller 222 is a steering column controller and
is one component of, or electrically connected to, the control
system 116. While depicted as a single unit for illustrative
purposes, the controller 222 may additionally include one or more
other controllers, collectively referred to as a "controller." The
controller 22 may include a microprocessor or central processing
unit (CPU) or graphical processing unit (GPU) in communication with
various types of computer readable storage devices or media.
Computer readable storage devices or media may include volatile and
nonvolatile storage in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory
(RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM), for example. KAM is a
persistent or non-volatile memory that may be used to store various
operating variables while the CPU is powered down.
Computer-readable storage devices or media may be implemented using
any of a number of known memory devices such as PROMs (programmable
read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically PROM), EEPROMs
(electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electric,
magnetic, optical, or combination memory devices capable of storing
data, some of which represent executable instructions, used by the
controller 222 in controlling the vehicle.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 222 is, in some
embodiments, electrically connected via a wired or wireless
connection to the controller 22. In some embodiments, the
controllers 22, 222 provide autonomous vehicle control to the
vehicle 100.
[0049] In addition to the other sensors 26 of the vehicle 100, in
some embodiments, the steering wheel assembly 120 includes a
steering wheel force sensor 215 and the steering column assembly
118 includes a steering shaft force sensor 217, as shown in FIG. 3.
Each of the sensors 215, 217 are electrically connected, via a
wired or wireless connection, to the controller 222. The steering
wheel force sensor 215 provides data regarding detection of a pinch
or impedance force detected when the first and second steering
wheel members 202, 204 pivot to the stowed position, for example
and without limitation. The steering shaft force sensor 217
provides data regarding detection of a force applied to the
steering wheel assembly 120 or the shaft assembly 118, such as, for
example and without limitation, a pinch force, pressure applied to
the steering wheel by a vehicle occupant, etc. In response to
detection of a hands-off or hands-free steering condition, the
controller 222 may initiate a folding and/or stowing operation, as
discussed in greater detail herein. In response to detection of a
pinch force, the controller 222 may terminate a stowing and/or
folding operation, as discussed in greater detail herein.
[0050] With reference to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, to provide a
soft contact point and reduce injury from pinching when the first
and second steering wheel members 202, 204 rotate between the first
and second positions, a contact material 210 is positioned at the
junction between the first steering wheel member 202 and the shroud
assembly 206. In some embodiments, the contact material 210 is
positioned around the circumference of the junction between the
first and second steering wheel members 202, 204 and the shroud
assembly 206. In some embodiments, the contact material 210 is
positioned discontinuously around the junction between the first
and second steering wheel members 202, 204 and the shroud assembly
206. In some embodiments, the contact material 210 is positioned at
the top and/or bottom of the junction between the first and second
steering wheel members 202, 204 and the shroud assembly 206. In
some embodiments, the contact material 210 is an elastically
deformable material that deforms in response to an applied force or
load and reverts to the original dimension when the load is
removed.
[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 to control the motion of a
retractable and/or foldable steering system 112 using impedance
control. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the feedback control system
116 used to implement the impedance control steps of the method 400
using a feedback loop. As is well known, impedance control is a
feedback control method designed to control dynamic interaction
between a manipulator, such as a retractable and foldable steering
system 112, and its environment. The method 400 can be utilized in
connection with the steering system 112, the control system 116,
and the various sensors 26, 215, 217. The method 400 can be
utilized in connection with the controller 22 and/or the controller
222, as discussed herein, or by other systems associated with or
separate from the vehicle, in accordance with exemplary
embodiments. The order of operation of the method 400 is not
limited to the sequential execution as illustrated in FIG. 4, but
may be performed in one or more varying orders, or steps may be
performed simultaneously, as applicable in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0052] The method 400 begins at 402 when a trigger condition is
detected. The trigger condition is, in some embodiments, receipt by
the controller of an operator input indicating a mode transition.
The mode transition is a transition from a driver-controlled
vehicle mode of operation to an autonomous or semi-autonomous mode
of operation. Next, at 404, the controller performs the transition
from the driver-controlled vehicle mode of operation to an
autonomous or semi-autonomous mode of operation.
[0053] At 406, the controller confirms that an autonomous or
semi-autonomous mode of operation is selected and available, given
the current vehicle and/or environmental conditions. These
conditions may include data regarding the vehicle environment or
the vehicle operating condition received from one or more vehicle
sensors. If an autonomous or semi-autonomous mode of operation is
not confirmed and/or is not available due to current conditions,
the method 400 proceeds to 408 and the operator retains control of
the vehicle. The controller does not retract and/or fold the
steering system 112.
[0054] However, if the autonomous or semi-autonomous mode of
operation is confirmed and/or is available, the method 400 proceeds
to 410. At 410, the controller generates one or more control
signals and transmits the control signals to the actuators 122, 213
to fold the steering wheel assembly 120 and/or axially translate or
retract the steering column assembly 118.
[0055] As the actuators perform the folding and/or retracting
actions, the controller determines, at 412, whether a pinch force
is detected. In various embodiments, a mathematical model is used
to estimate the pinch force or detect an overload condition. The
model includes evaluating characteristics and operating parameters
of the motor 122 to determine an estimated interference torque. The
estimated interference torque is a torque applied to the steering
system 112 that affects the stowing process. In some embodiments, a
pinch force may be detected by the steering wheel force sensor 215
and/or the steering shaft force sensor 217.
[0056] If a pinch force is not detected, the method 400 proceeds to
414 and the stowing and/or folding operation continues until the
steering system 112 is stowed within the vehicle console. In some
embodiments, without a pinch detection, the steering system 112
components are stowed within approximately 5 seconds and the
steering column assembly 118 axially translates approximately 1-250
mm in that time frame. However, other vehicle configurations may
have different stowing times and steering column assembly 118
translation distances.
[0057] However, if a pinch force is detected, the method 400
proceeds to 416. At 416, a timer incorporated into, or electrically
connected to, the controller 22 and/or the controller 222 is
initiated and the stowing and/or folding operation is controlled
using impedance control incorporating force and displacement
feedback. The timer measures an elapsed time since the pinch force
was initially detected. A block diagram of one embodiment of a
control system, such as the control system 116, that incorporates
impedance control with force feedback is illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0058] The controller, such as the controller 222 includes an
impedance reference model module 502, a comparison module 504, a
proportional integral derivative (PID) controller 506, and a plant
module 508.
[0059] The reference model module 502 receives a desired motion as
a command, indicated as x.sub.d. The desired motion is a command to
axially translate the steering column assembly 118 from the stowed
position to the unstowed position or vice versa or any position
between the stowed position and the unstowed position. In some
embodiments, the desired motion x.sub.d is a command to stow or
unstow the steering wheel assembly 120 to a predetermined position.
In some embodiments, the desired motion x.sub.d is a combination of
axial translation of the steering column assembly 118 and folding
or unfolding the steering wheel assembly 120. In some embodiments,
the desired motion x.sub.d is received as a user-input command or
is based on calculations performed by the controller 22 based on
sensor input.
[0060] The reference model also receives the force feedback
F.sub.e. The force feedback is indicative of an external force on
the system, such as a pinch force, detected as indicated herein by
one or more of the steering wheel force sensor 215 and the steering
shaft force sensor 217. The reference model, defined below, governs
the desired output displacement based on the feedback force and the
pre-defined model.
[0061] The reference model is defined by Equation 1:
m.sub.r({umlaut over (x)}.sub.r-{umlaut over
(x)}.sub.d)+c.sub.r({dot over (x)}.sub.r-{dot over
(x)}.sub.d)+k.sub.r(x.sub.r-x.sub.d)=F.sub.e Equation 1
[0062] Where x.sub.d is the desired tracking output displacement;
x.sub.r is the reference output calculated by the reference model;
m.sub.r, c.sub.r, k.sub.r are the reference model parameters that
define the softness of the contact and include the mass of the
mechanical components, the effective damping, and the effective
stiffness; and the feedback force F.sub.e is the external pinch
force.
[0063] With continued reference to the block diagram of FIG. 5, at
504, the comparison module, the controller 222 receives
displacement feedback, x, from one or more sensors. The
displacement feedback x is a measured output of the actual
displacement of the steering system component, such as, for example
and without limitation, the axial translation of the steering
column assembly 118 and/or the degree of rotation of the foldable
steering wheel members 202, 204. The controller 222 then calculates
a difference, or error, between the reference output calculated by
the reference model module x.sub.r and the measured, actual
displacement.
[0064] The PID controller 506 of the controller 222 uses the
calculated difference, or error, to generate a revised desired
displacement input signal. The revised displacement input signal is
used in the plant module 508 to generate x, the actual displacement
of the steering system component, such as the axial translation of
the steering column assembly 118 and/or the degree of rotation of
the foldable steering wheel members 202, 204.
[0065] The plant model is defined in Equation 2:
M{umlaut over (x)}+B{umlaut over (x)}=u+F.sub.e Equation 2
[0066] Where M and B are parameters defining the steering system
and u is the error-minimized output from the PID controller
506.
[0067] After performing impedance control, as outlined in FIG. 5,
and with reference now to FIG. 4, the method 400 proceeds to 418.
At 418, the controller generates a message, such as a warning
message indicating the detection of a pinch condition, and
transmits this message to the audio and/or video device 44 coupled
to the controller 22 and/or the controller 222.
[0068] Next, at 420, the external force is released by the operator
or occupant by, for example and without limitation, releasing the
steering wheel or steering shaft, or removing the obstruction from
a pinch point of the steering column assembly 118 and the steering
wheel assembly 120. At 422, the controller determines whether the
external force has been released or removed by, for example,
comparing sensor data received from the steering wheel force sensor
215 and/or the steering shaft force sensor 217 to an expected
sensor data value obtained when the external force is not applied.
In some embodiments, the expected sensor data value is a force
approximately equal to zero.
[0069] If the controller determines that the force has been
released, indicating that there is no longer a pinch condition, the
method 400 proceeds to 414 and the stowing and/or folding operation
continues until the steering system 112 is stowed within the
vehicle console, as discussed herein.
[0070] However, if the controller determines that the force has not
been released, the method 400 proceeds to 424. At 424, the
controller determines whether an elapsed time, as measured by the
timer initiated at 416, has exceeded a predetermined threshold. The
elapsed time measures how long the pinch force is continuously
detected. The predetermined threshold is, in some embodiments, a
time limit established to give the occupant or operator a chance to
remove the source of the external force on the steering system 112.
If the elapsed time has not exceeded the threshold, the method 400
returns to 420 and proceeds as discussed herein.
[0071] If the elapsed time has exceeded the threshold, but the
force has not been removed or released, the method 400 proceeds to
426. At 426, the controller reverses the folding and stowing motion
of the steering column assembly 118 and/or the steering wheel
assembly 120 to each assembly's status at the start of the method
400 in preparation for a transition to the driver-controlled
vehicle mode of operation. The method 400 then proceeds to 428
wherein the controller completes the transition from an autonomous
or semi-autonomous mode of operation to the driver-controller mode
of operation and the method 400 proceeds to 408 and the operator
retains control of the vehicle. The controller does not retract
and/or fold the steering system 112.
[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of controlling a vehicle
steering system that incorporates both force feedback and
displacement feedback. In other embodiments, the method
incorporates displacement feedback only.
[0073] It should be emphasized that many variations and
modifications may be made to the herein-described embodiments, the
elements of which are to be understood as being among other
acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are
intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure
and protected by the following claims. Moreover, any of the steps
described herein can be performed simultaneously or in an order
different from the steps as ordered herein. Moreover, as should be
apparent, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments
disclosed herein may be combined in different ways to form
additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the
present disclosure. In various embodiments, each of the methods
discussed herein can be used independently or combined
together.
[0074] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others,
"can," "could," "might," "may," "e.g.," and the like, unless
specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the
context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain
embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include,
certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional
language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements
and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments
or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for
deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these
features, elements and/or states are included or are to be
performed in any particular embodiment.
[0075] Moreover, the following terminology may have been used
herein. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural
referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for
example, reference to an item includes reference to one or more
items. The term "ones" refers to one, two, or more, and generally
applies to the selection of some or all of a quantity. The term
"plurality" refers to two or more of an item. The term "about" or
"approximately" means that quantities, dimensions, sizes,
formulations, parameters, shapes and other characteristics need not
be exact, but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as
desired, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors,
rounding off, measurement error and the like and other factors
known to those of skill in the art. The term "substantially" means
that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be
achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for
example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy
limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art,
may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the
characteristic was intended to provide.
[0076] Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a
range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is
used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be
interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values
explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also interpreted
to include all of the individual numerical values or sub-ranges
encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and
sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical
range of "about 1 to 5" should be interpreted to include not only
the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but should
also be interpreted to also include individual values and
sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this
numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3 and 4 and
sub-ranges such as "about 1 to about 3," "about 2 to about 4" and
"about 3 to about 5," "1 to 3," "2 to 4," "3 to 5," etc. This same
principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value
(e.g., "greater than about 1") and should apply regardless of the
breadth of the range or the characteristics being described. A
plurality of items may be presented in a common list for
convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though
each member of the list is individually identified as a separate
and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should
be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the
same list solely based on their presentation in a common group
without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, where the terms
"and" and "or" are used in conjunction with a list of items, they
are to be interpreted broadly, in that any one or more of the
listed items may be used alone or in combination with other listed
items. The term "alternatively" refers to selection of one of two
or more alternatives, and is not intended to limit the selection to
only those listed alternatives or to only one of the listed
alternatives at a time, unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise.
[0077] The processes, methods, or algorithms disclosed herein can
be deliverable to/implemented by a processing device, controller,
or computer, which can include any existing programmable electronic
control unit or dedicated electronic control unit. Similarly, the
processes, methods, or algorithms can be stored as data and
instructions executable by a controller or computer in many forms
including, but not limited to, information permanently stored on
non-writable storage media such as ROM devices and information
alterably stored on writeable storage media such as floppy disks,
magnetic tapes, CDs, RAM devices, and other magnetic and optical
media. The processes, methods, or algorithms can also be
implemented in a software executable object. Alternatively, the
processes, methods, or algorithms can be embodied in whole or in
part using suitable hardware components, such as Application
Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field-Programmable Gate
Arrays (FPGAs), state machines, controllers or other hardware
components or devices, or a combination of hardware, software and
firmware components. Such example devices may be on-board as part
of a vehicle computing system or be located off-board and conduct
remote communication with devices on one or more vehicles.
[0078] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not
intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms
encompassed by the claims. The words used in the specification are
words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood
that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit
and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features
of various embodiments can be combined to form further exemplary
aspects of the present disclosure that may not be explicitly
described or illustrated. While various embodiments could have been
described as providing advantages or being preferred over other
embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or
more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skill in the art
recognize that one or more features or characteristics can be
compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which
depend on the specific application and implementation. These
attributes can include, but are not limited to cost, strength,
durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging,
size, serviceability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly,
etc. As such, embodiments described as less desirable than other
embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or
more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure
and can be desirable for particular applications.
* * * * *