Deployable Vehicle Ottoman With Camera-Guided Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The evolving interior designs of vehicles, particularly those without traditional steering wheels and pedals, require innovative solutions for occupant accommodation, including adjustable ottomans that can function as footrests, calf supports, and storage compartments.
Innovation Solution
A deployable ottoman system in vehicles, operated by an electric motor and controlled by a computing device, adjusts its position based on occupant characteristics and requests, using cameras for recognition and predictive algorithms to optimize its function as a footrest, calf support, or storage access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ottoman is made deployable with multiple functions (footrest, calf support, storage), then the adaptability and versatility improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ottoman is designed to perform multiple functions including footrest, calf support, and storage compartment. The same basic structure can be configured in different positions and modes to serve different purposes, eliminating the need for separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ottoman structure is divided into segments that can be independently positioned. The footrest portion can be adjusted relative to the calf support portion, and the storage compartment can be accessed independently, allowing flexible configuration for different uses.
2Ease of operation
If the ottoman position is automatically adjusted based on camera recognition, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses camera recognition to automatically detect occupant characteristics and leg positions, then self-adjusts the ottoman position without requiring manual input from the user. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions based on sensor data.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system continuously monitors the occupant's position and the ottoman's position, providing feedback to the control system which then makes real-time adjustments to optimize comfort and functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the ottoman moves along tracks with electric motor, then the ease of operation improves, but the weight of the object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an electric motor system that operates along tracks. This substitution provides motorized movement capability while maintaining a relatively compact and efficient drive mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a deployable ottoman operatively connected to an electric motor to move the deployable ottoman. The deployable ottoman may be connected to a floorboard of a vehicle and moved by the electric motor from a first position to a second position for use by an occupant of the vehicle. A vehicle may be provided with at least one internal camera and a microphone which may communicate with a control system to move the deployable ottoman in the vehicle based on determinations of an occupant's height, leg position, and seat position. The control system may move the deployable ottoman in response to voice commands or input to a control device.