Study on the Driver/Steering Wheel Interaction in Emergency Situations

Comolli, Francesco; Gobbi, Massimiliano; Mastinu, Gianpiero · 2020 · Crossref

DOI: 10.3390/app10207055

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Summary

This study investigates the interaction between drivers and steering wheels during emergency maneuvers, aiming to improve the tuning of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The authors argue that current ADAS tuning often lacks a deep understanding of human behavior, particularly involuntary neuromuscular responses. To address this, the research focuses on the "kick plate" maneuver, an emergency test where a lateral disturbance induces a vehicle spin, requiring the driver to counter-steer. The study specifically compares driver behavior when using two hands versus one hand on the steering wheel. The experimental setup utilized a custom instrumented steering wheel (ISW) equipped with two six-component load cells, allowing for the separate measurement of three force and three moment components applied by each hand. The ISW was designed with carbon fiber to mimic the mass and stiffness of a standard wheel. Data were collected from eight male drivers with varying experience levels. Each driver performed the kick plate maneuver six times with two hands and three times with one hand. Vehicle dynamics data, including acceleration, yaw rate, and steering angle, were synchronized with the ISW data via the vehicle’s CAN network. The ISW signals were processed to compensate for static weight, inertial forces, and steering wheel rotation to isolate the driver’s applied forces. The results revealed distinct phases in the driver’s response. In both one-hand and two-hand scenarios, an unintentional torque peak occurred shortly after the lateral disturbance, preceding any voluntary steering action. This involuntary torque, attributed to unconscious muscular reflexes, was approximately 20% of the magnitude of the subsequent voluntary torque. When drivers used two hands, an initial "fighting" phenomenon occurred, where the hands applied opposing forces, delaying the effective steering response. Consequently, the emergency maneuver was executed more quickly when the driver used only one hand, as this eliminated the inter-hand conflict. The study quantified the time delays between the disturbance, the involuntary torque peak, and the effective steering rotation, highlighting the significant impact of involuntary neuromuscular activity on vehicle dynamics. The significance of these findings lies in the recommendation to incorporate involuntary muscular phenomena into driver models. Current models often overlook these unconscious reactions, which can substantially affect vehicle dynamic response during critical events. By accounting for these involuntary forces, particularly the initial torque peaks and the coordination issues in two-hand driving, engineers can develop more accurate driver models. This improved understanding can lead to better-designed ADAS and electric power steering systems that are less intrusive and more effective in assisting drivers during emergency situations.

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Topics

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• steering pattern
• manual
• control interfaces
• haptic feedback
• hands on hands off engagement
• takeover transitions

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: behavioral performance data
• Methodological Resource: tool software
• Theoretical Contribution: computational model