Driver Seat Auto-Adjustment for Easier Entry and Safer Posture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adjusting driver-related in-vehicle equipment, such as seats and steering wheels, do not account for individual driver differences, leading to reduced driving safety and comfort, increased fatigue, and potential hazards due to manual adjustments and lack of consideration for easy vehicle entry.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that uses detection devices to acquire driver height and body parameters outside and inside the vehicle, calculating and adjusting equipment positions for entry and driving, including seat, steering wheel, and rearview mirrors, based on ergonomic data and proportionality factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of driver-related equipment is used, then drivers can adjust equipment to their preference, but it increases adjustment time and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of equipment adjustmentVSAvoidAdjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting driver body parameters and pre-calculating optimal equipment positions before the driver enters the vehicle. The seat, steering wheel, and mirrors are automatically adjusted to predetermined positions based on detected driver characteristics, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If automatic adjustment is performed after driver sits on seat, then equipment can be adjusted to driving position, but it does not consider easy vehicle entry and increases adjustment time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDriving safetyVSAvoidTotal adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment process is segmented into two distinct phases: entry phase and driving phase. The system first adjusts equipment to entry-friendly positions when the driver approaches, facilitating easy vehicle entry. After the driver sits down, the system then adjusts to optimal driving positions. This segmentation allows both easy entry and safe driving without requiring prolonged manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If driver-related equipment is not adjusted properly, then vehicle can be used by multiple drivers, but driving safety is compromised and fatigue increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVehicle sharing capabilityVSAvoidDriving safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves adaptability for multiple drivers by dynamically changing equipment parameters based on detected driver body parameters. Detection devices measure driver characteristics such as height and body dimensions, and the control system automatically adjusts seat position, steering wheel angle, and mirror orientations to optimize both safety and comfort for each driver, eliminating fatigue from improper positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3875320B1Method and system for automatically adjusting driver-related in-vehicle equipment
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 VOLVO CAR CORP
  • EP3875320B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3875320B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3875320B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present application discloses a method, device, and system (1000) for automatically adjusting driver-related in-vehicle equipment, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring a driver's height from a detection device (1200) of a vehicle; determining preset values of additional body parameters of the driver based on the driver's height and calculating a position for entry using the driver's height and the preset values of the additional body parameters of the driver; and adjusting the equipment comprising a driver's seat to the position for entry so as to facilitate the driver to enter the vehicle and sit on the seat.