18522260. STEERING DEVICE simplified abstract (HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.)
Contents
STEERING DEVICE
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
STEERING DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18522260 titled 'STEERING DEVICE
Simplified Explanation
The steering device described in the patent application includes a steering angle sensor, a grip sensor unit that measures electrostatic capacitances of electrodes on the steering wheel to detect the presence and position of the driver's grip, and an abnormality determination device that checks for abnormalities in the grip sensor unit based on specific grip positions.
- The steering device includes a steering angle sensor for detecting the angle of the steering wheel.
- The grip sensor unit measures electrostatic capacitances of electrodes on the steering wheel to determine the presence and position of the driver's grip.
- The abnormality determination device checks for abnormalities in the grip sensor unit based on specific grip positions during straight driving and turning.
Potential Applications
This technology could be applied in the automotive industry for improving driver safety and comfort by detecting abnormal grip patterns on the steering wheel.
Problems Solved
This technology helps in identifying abnormalities in the grip sensor unit, ensuring accurate detection of the driver's grip position for better control and safety while driving.
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include enhanced safety features in vehicles, improved driver monitoring systems, and potential for early detection of grip sensor malfunctions.
Potential Commercial Applications
The potential commercial applications of this technology could be in the automotive sector for integrating advanced grip sensor systems in vehicles to enhance driver safety and control.
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art could be the use of grip sensors in steering wheels for detecting driver grip patterns, but the specific method of abnormality determination based on grip positions during straight driving and turning may be unique to this patent application.
Unanswered Questions
How does this technology impact driver comfort and convenience?
This technology enhances driver safety by ensuring accurate grip detection, but it is also essential to consider how it affects driver comfort and convenience during long drives or in different driving conditions.
What are the potential challenges in implementing this technology in different vehicle models?
While the technology described in the patent application offers improved safety features, there may be challenges in integrating it into various vehicle models with different steering wheel designs and electronic systems.
Original Abstract Submitted
A steering device () includes: a steering angle sensor (); a grip sensor unit () which measures electrostatic capacitances of a plurality of electrodes () to () provided to the steering wheel (), and acquires the presence/absence of gripping of the steering wheel () by the driver and the gripping position based on these measurement results of electrostatic capacitances; and an abnormality determination device () which determines presence/absence of abnormality in the grip sensor unit (). The abnormality determination device () determines presence/absence of abnormality in the grip sensor unit (), based on a straight grip position while going straight prior to a steering angle detection value exceeding a predetermined left-turn steering angle threshold (or right-turn steering angle threshold); and a left-turn grip position (or right-turn grip position) while turning after the steering angle detection value exceeded the left-turn steering angle threshold (or right-turn steering angle threshold).
