Vehicle Cockpit Auto-Adjustment Using Driver Anthropometric Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for adjusting a road vehicle's cockpit to accommodate different drivers are inefficient, as they rely solely on driver height measurements, which do not account for varying anthropometric features, leading to uncertain seating positions and comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize anthropometric data storage and processing units to calculate an ergonomic position for the driver, adjusting seat, steering wheel, and rear-view mirrors using actuator systems, with sensor devices detecting driver data for precise configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If driver height measurement is used to calculate comfort position, then automatic seat adjustment is achieved, but measurement precision is insufficient due to ignoring anthropometric variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes from measuring a single parameter (height) to measuring multiple parameters (height, weight, body composition) to accurately determine driver anthropometrics. This allows the calculation of driver volume and center of gravity, enabling precise automatic adjustment of seat position, backrest angle, and other cockpit elements for optimal comfort and safety.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is performed for each driver, then seating comfort is optimized, but loss of time increases due to repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of driver anthropometric parameters and pre-calculates the optimal cockpit configuration before the driver enters the vehicle. When the driver boards, the seat and other cockpit elements are already adjusted to the correct position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and saving time while ensuring comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from driver identification (via RFID card, fingerprint, or facial recognition) to retrieve stored anthropometric data and automatically adjust the cockpit configuration. This closed-loop approach ensures that each driver receives a personalized setup without manual intervention, balancing comfort with time efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive anthropometric data is collected, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional platform that can perform various driver identification methods (RFID card reading, fingerprint scanning, facial recognition) and anthropometric measurements through integrated sensors. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into a single system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through comprehensive data collection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for the automatic adjustment of a cockpit (5) inside a road vehicle (1) comprising the steps of determining anthropometric data of a driver (DR); processing an ergonomic position (EP) of a model (M) of the driver (DR) sitting on board the road vehicle (1); processing an optimal configuration of the cockpit (5); operating a plurality of actuator systems (6, 7, 9-11, 13-15) so as to cause the cockpit (5) to reach the optimal configuration (OC); wherein the ergonomic position (EP) of the model (M) is processed in association with a minimum ground visibility (VS'); a minimum visibility (VS") of a control panel (18); and at least one first comfort angle (A46) of a body joint of the driver (DR).