Bi-Directional Autonomous Vehicle Orientation and Front-End Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bi-directional autonomous vehicles face challenges in determining the forward direction and front end based on user preferences, orientation, and environmental conditions, leading to user inconvenience and anxiety.
Innovation Solution
The system determines the forward direction and front end of bi-directional vehicles based on user commands, sitting orientation, prearrangements, destination, and road/parking lot conditions, and adjusts the vehicle's exterior shape to match the selected direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bi-directional vehicle allows seats facing both forward and backward directions, then user seating flexibility is improved, but user orientation uncertainty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lighting changes (color/illumination state) to indicate the vehicle's forward direction and the user's orientation. Interior lights or display elements change state to clearly show which direction is forward, eliminating user uncertainty about orientation while maintaining flexible seating arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information display system (lights, displays, or indicators) that mediates between the bi-directional seating configuration and the user's need for orientation information. This intermediary provides clear directional cues without restricting seat flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If a bi-directional vehicle automatically determines forward direction without user input, then ease of operation is improved, but user control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors user position, vehicle motion, and environmental context, then adjusts the determined forward direction accordingly. This feedback loop allows automatic operation while remaining adaptable to user preferences and changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the forward direction determination dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the system to adapt its decision based on real-time conditions including user input, seating configuration, and environmental factors. This dynamic approach balances automation with user control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a vehicle changes its exterior shape to match forward direction, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic shape adjustment mechanisms that allow the vehicle exterior to change configuration based on the determined forward direction. This enables aerodynamic optimization while the system adapts to different driving directions and operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the shape adjustment mechanism to serve multiple functions: improving aerodynamics, indicating forward direction to users, and potentially providing structural protection. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for bi-directional autonomous vehicles and robots. In one aspect, a vehicle's forward direction and front end are determined by a user's command, sitting orientation, records, or prearrangement. In another aspect, a vehicle's forward direction and front end are determined by a destination, road conditions, or parking lot conditions. In another aspect, a robot switches positions of the front side and the rear side. In another aspect, a robot's forward direction and front side are determined based on a user's command or the user's moving direction.