Autonomous Vehicle Interior Reconfiguration for Passenger-Cargo Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack versatility in transporting both passengers and cargo efficiently, as existing designs often compromise on space due to fixed seating arrangements and limited door configurations, which restricts flexibility in use cases.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous vehicle features moveable seat assemblies that can be configured between seating and stowed positions, allowing for increased interior space for cargo, and a unique door arrangement with multiple openings and storage bins accessible from the exterior, enabling efficient passenger and cargo transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed seating arrangements are used in autonomous vehicles, then structural simplicity is maintained, but interior space flexibility and versatility for cargo transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to transition between a deployed seating position and a retracted stowed position. The lift assembly enables the seat to move vertically along a linear path, transforming the interior space configuration from passenger-oriented to cargo-oriented as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly serves multiple functions: providing seating for passengers when deployed, and creating additional cargo space when retracted. This multi-functionality allows the vehicle to adapt between passenger transport and cargo transport modes using the same physical space
2Productivity
If multiple door configurations are implemented, then accessibility and loading efficiency are improved, but device complexity and structural requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is segmented into multiple independent doors: front door, rear door, and side door. Each door can be operated independently to provide access to the interior space, allowing flexible loading and unloading operations from different directions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates the operation of multiple doors. It receives a single input signal and automatically manages the opening/closing sequence of front, rear, and side doors, simplifying user interaction while maintaining complex coordinated functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If seat assemblies are made moveable for cargo space, then interior space versatility improves, but reliability and structural stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The manual seat adjustment mechanism is replaced with an automated lift assembly that uses a shaft and carriage system. The shaft provides a guided linear path for the carriage, ensuring controlled and stable movement of the seat assembly between positions while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly moves vertically along a linear path defined by the shaft's central axis, utilizing the vertical dimension for transformation. This vertical movement path provides a stable and predictable transformation mode that maintains reliability during position changes
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
This configuration enhances the vehicle's versatility and efficiency by providing ample space for both passengers and cargo, facilitating easy loading and unloading through multiple access points and intelligent door control systems.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft is threaded and rotation of the shaft results in movement of both the carriage and the seat assembly along the linear path of movement
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an autonomous vehicle configurable for transportation of either passengers, cargo, or both. The various aspects of this disclosure, which include moveable seat assemblies, a door arrangement, and storage bins, among other things, provide the vehicle with increased functionality and versatility, leading to more efficient vehicle use.