Commercial Vehicle Cab Interior Configuration Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring a driver's cab in commercial vehicles require manual adjustment of interior elements, which is time-consuming and impairs comfort, especially when transitioning between driving and living/sleeping modes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that automatically select and set interior configurations by moving interior elements, such as seats, steering wheels, and roofs, based on predefined usage situations detected by sensors, using actuators to adjust positions for optimal space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of interior elements is used, then the driver can customize settings, but it is time-consuming and impairs comfort when transitioning between driving and living/sleeping modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines multiple interior configurations (driving mode, living mode, sleeping mode) that are prepared in advance. When the driver needs to transition between modes, the system automatically applies the pre-configured settings without requiring manual adjustment of each individual element, thus eliminating the time-consuming adjustment process while maintaining customization benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-adjustment of interior elements through sensors that detect usage situations and trigger corresponding configuration changes. The interior elements automatically reposition themselves based on detected conditions (e.g., vehicle motion, time of day, occupancy), freeing the driver from manual adjustment tasks and improving ease of operation between different usage modes
2Adaptability or versatility
If interior elements are manually adjusted for each usage situation, then the cab can be adapted to different modes, but the process is complex and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the interior configuration based on real-time detection of usage situations. Sensors continuously monitor conditions such as vehicle motion, time of day, and occupancy status, automatically transitioning the interior elements between driving, living, and sleeping configurations without manual intervention. This dynamic adaptation maintains high versatility while dramatically improving transition efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates universal configurations that serve multiple functions within a single setup. Each predefined configuration (driving, living, sleeping mode) is designed to handle multiple related tasks and conditions, allowing the interior elements to be optimized for different usage scenarios without requiring separate manual adjustments for each specific task, thus improving overall productivity
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 efficient adaptation of cab space and comfort by automatically changing interior configurations according to usage situations, reducing manual effort and enhancing usability during different activities like driving, sleeping, or office work.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor device detects a current usage situation
Implementation Method 2
An adjustment drive assigned to this interior element moves the interior element from an old adjustment position to an adjustment position which is assigned to the selected usage situation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for selecting and automatically adjusting an interior configuration of a commercial vehicle cab. The method comprises selecting an interior configuration of the cab from a plurality of predefined interior configurations (1a, 1b), wherein each interior configuration assigns an adjustment position (S2) to at least one interior element of the cab, and wherein an interior element can be moved from a driving position to at least one living position and vice versa. The method further comprises automatically adjusting the selected interior configuration (S3), wherein the at least one interior element is moved from a previous adjustment position to an adjustment position assigned to the selected interior configuration, by means of an adjustment drive assigned to the respective interior element to generate the adjustment force required for the adjustment movement of the respective interior element.The invention further relates to a device configured to select and automatically adjust an interior configuration of a commercial vehicle's cab. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, equipped with such a device.