Deployable Manual Driving Controls for Flexible Autonomous Vehicle Seating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with high levels of automation, occupants may desire manual driving capabilities while also valuing additional cabin space for comfort, as existing systems often omit manual driving components like steering wheels to maximize space.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a screen, manual driving apparatus, and a controller to transition between autonomous and manual operating modes, allowing the manual driving apparatus to be stowed during autonomous driving and deployed for manual operation, with adjustable positioning for ergonomic access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the steering wheel and manual driving apparatus are omitted to maximize cabin space, then passenger comfort and space are improved, but manual driving capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The manual driving apparatus is designed to be dynamically deployable rather than permanently fixed. The steering wheel can be deployed from a retracted position within the dashboard to an operational position, allowing the system to adapt between maximizing cabin space and providing manual driving capability based on driver needs
Solution Approach 2:
The manual driving apparatus is segmented into separate components that can be independently positioned and configured. The steering wheel, pedals, and other controls can be deployed and positioned separately, allowing flexible arrangement that accommodates both space optimization and functional requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the manual driving apparatus is permanently installed, then manual driving capability is maintained, but cabin space and passenger comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, permanently installed manual driving apparatus to a dynamic, deployable system. The steering wheel and controls can be retracted into the dashboard when not in use, dynamically adjusting the cabin space available to passengers while maintaining manual driving capability when needed
3Volume of moving object
If the steering wheel is made retractable to save space, then cabin space is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable steering wheel mechanism is merged with the existing dashboard structure. The deployment and retraction mechanisms are integrated into the dashboard housing, combining multiple functions (structural support, mechanism housing, control integration) into a single unified assembly to reduce overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing manual driving capabilities to an operator of a vehicle are provided. The systems include a screen within the vehicle configured to selectively transition between closed and open configurations by moving the screen and thereby cover or uncover, respectively, an opening to a compartment of the vehicle, a manual driving apparatus configured to selectively transition between concealed and exposed configurations by moving the manual driving apparatus to be disposed within the compartment or disposed at least partially outside of the compartment, respectively, and a controller configured to transition between autonomous and manual operating modes, wherein while in the autonomous operating mode an automated driving system is configured to perform driving tasks of the vehicle without human intervention, wherein while in the manual operating mode the vehicle is configured to perform the driving tasks based on human interaction with the manual driving apparatus.