Autonomous Vehicle Sleep Mode Steering Wheel Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current driver assistance systems for autonomous driving do not adequately enable comfortable rest or sleep breaks for drivers without compromising driving safety, as existing solutions are uncomfortable and prone to disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A method that activates a sleep mode by retracting the steering wheel, dimming interior lights, disabling attention-catching screens and communication devices, adjusting the seat and steering wheel for comfort, controlling the vehicle to minimize movements, deactivating control elements, locking doors, and folding exterior mirrors, while ensuring the driver can be quickly woken up in necessary situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver takes a rest or sleep break during autonomous driving, then driver comfort is improved, but driving safety may be compromised due to inability to quickly respond to situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by retracting the steering wheel, dimming lights, and adjusting the seat before the driver actually falls asleep. This creates an environment optimized for rest while maintaining safety protocols ready to activate if needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors driver state and vehicle surroundings, providing feedback to determine when to wake the driver. If the driver remains inactive beyond a threshold or hazardous situations arise, the system activates wake-up measures including acoustic signals, vibrations, and steering wheel movements
2Reliability
If interior lights and screens remain on during driver rest, then driver awareness is maintained, but driver comfort and ability to sleep are reduced due to disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different lighting conditions to different areas: the driver area is dimmed to promote sleep, while the instrument cluster and essential displays remain visible or can be activated. This localized differentiation allows the driver to sleep comfortably while maintaining awareness of essential vehicle information
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system dynamically adjusts between dimmed state for comfort and fully illuminated state for awareness based on real-time assessment of driver state and driving conditions. The system can transition smoothly between these states as needed
3Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is retracted into a rest position, then driver comfort is improved, but control responsiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is designed to dynamically transition between retracted rest position and extended driving position. During autonomous sleep mode, it remains retracted for comfort, but can be rapidly extended and activated if the system detects the need for driver intervention, thus maintaining both comfort and responsiveness
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Method for operating a driver assistance system designed for automatic driving by intervening in the engine control, transmission and braking system of a motor vehicle, wherein a sleep mode is activated by a driver in which at least one vehicle component is controlled in such a way as to enable a comfortable rest or sleep break for the driver.