Vehicle Dashboard with Articulating Driving Controls

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional vehicle dashboards with driving controls occupy high-priority space, limiting driver comfort and access to non-driving tasks, especially in vehicles with frequent stops or autonomous driving modes where controls are not always in use.

Innovation Solution

A multipurpose dashboard with driving controls that can be configured between a driving and non-driving position, allowing the workstation to transition from an accessible position during non-driving modes to a stowed position during driving modes, utilizing an articulating arm with a ball detent spring mechanism for preset positions, enabling efficient space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If driving controls are mounted on the dashboard in the driving position, then the driver can easily access and control the vehicle, but the driver cannot comfortably move or access non-driving tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver access to vehicle controlsVSAvoiddriver access to non-driving tasks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The driving controls are mounted on a movable dashboard component that can dynamically reposition between a driving position (close to the driver for easy control access) and a non-driving position (away from the driver to enable comfortable movement and access to other tasks). This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the operational mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dashboard is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides driving controls when in driving mode and transforms into a workspace surface when in non-driving mode. This multi-functionality allows the same physical space to support both vehicle control operations and non-driving tasks, eliminating the need for separate dedicated spaces for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If driving controls occupy high-priority space on the dashboard, then vehicle control is optimized, but non-driving tasks cannot be accessed comfortably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle control accessibilityVSAvoiddashboard space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dashboard component with driving controls is designed to move between positions, transforming the static space occupation into a dynamic arrangement. During driving, the controls occupy the high-priority central space for optimal accessibility. During non-driving modes, the controls move away, freeing up the space for workstation activities, thus optimizing space utilization for different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the workstation is in the accessible position, then non-driving tasks can be performed comfortably, but the driving controls become inaccessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to non-driving tasksVSAvoidaccess to driving controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic repositioning where the driving controls move to a non-driving position when the workstation is accessed, and return to the driving position when vehicle control is needed. This temporal separation of functions allows the workstation to be accessible during non-driving modes without compromising driving control accessibility when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dashboard component periodically transitions between driving and non-driving positions based on operational mode requirements. During non-driving modes, the controls are positioned away to allow workstation access. When driving mode is activated, the controls return to the accessible position. This periodic repositioning ensures that conflicting spatial requirements are resolved based on the current operational phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables convenient access to non-driving tasks while maintaining driving control functionality, improving driver comfort and workspace flexibility in various vehicle operational modes.

Implementation Method 1

the articulating arm is connected to a pivot assembly that includes a ball detent spring mechanism to provide preset detent positions of the articulating arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall detent spring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10583740B2Multipurpose dashboard for use in a vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A multipurpose dashboard for use in a vehicle includes an instrument panel disposed within the vehicle. The multipurpose dashboard also includes driving controls mounted to the instrument panel. The driving controls are configurable into a driving position for a user driving mode and configurable into a non-driving position for a non-driving mode. The non-driving position is disposed away from the driving position. The multipurpose dashboard also includes a workstation mounted to the instrument panel. The workstation is configurable into an accessible position during the non-driving mode and configurable into a stowed position during the user driving mode.