Autonomous Vehicle Docking Switch Interface for Flexible Cabin Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in convenient operation of various convenience devices due to the large number of individual switches and the inconvenience of accessing them from different locations within the vehicle, especially in level 4 autonomous driving scenarios where the driver may not be in the standard position.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional switch system with docking stations and a mobile operation device that uses magnetic force for docking, a touch screen for button display, and a controller to determine and process user inputs based on vehicle state information, allowing operation of convenience devices regardless of the driver's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual switches are provided for each convenience device, then each device can be operated independently, but the number of switches becomes too large making it difficult for the driver to operate them
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile operation device serves as a universal control interface that can operate multiple convenience devices (door locks, mirrors, seats, air conditioning, etc.) through a single touchscreen display. The device dynamically changes its function based on the detected docking station position, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated physical switches for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple individual switch functions are merged into a single mobile operation device with a touchscreen interface. The device combines door operation, mirror adjustment, seat control, and climate control functions into one unified interface, reducing the total number of switches while maintaining full operational capability.
2Ease of operation
If switches are fixed in specific locations, then each switch is easily accessible from its designated position, but the driver cannot reach buttons when located in different positions (e.g., rear seat or outside the vehicle)
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile operation device is designed to be movable and repositionable within the vehicle interior. It can be docked at multiple locations including door trims, console bases, and rear seats, allowing the driver to access control functions from any position within the vehicle rather than being fixed to a single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile operation device acts as an intermediary between the driver and the vehicle's convenience devices. It communicates with multiple docking stations throughout the vehicle interior, enabling the driver to operate controls from various positions without directly accessing fixed switch panels.
3Device complexity
If a single operation device is used throughout the vehicle, then device complexity is reduced, but it cannot provide location-specific operation modes for different docking positions
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile operation device changes its operational parameters dynamically based on its detected position. When docked at different docking stations, the device adjusts its displayed buttons and available functions according to the location-specific requirements, providing position-specific functionality while maintaining a single unified device architecture.
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 convenient operation of multiple vehicle systems from any location within the vehicle, reducing driver burden and vehicle complexity, while optimizing button displays based on vehicle state and position for enhanced usability.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic force generator that generates a magnetic force for docking to a plurality of docking stations provided in an interior of the autonomous vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional switch system for an autonomous vehicle may include a plurality of docking stations in the interior of the autonomous vehicle, sets an operation mode of a mobile operation device for each of positions of the plurality of docking stations, and operates in an operation mode corresponding to the position of the docking station as the mobile operation device is docked to the docking station to enable a driver in the autonomous vehicle to conveniently operate various convenience devices regardless of the driver's location, and an operating method thereof.