Driver-Side Switch Layout for Intuitive Autonomous Lane Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle operation devices do not effectively improve the operability of in-vehicle switches from the driver's seat, particularly for controlling autonomous driving and driving support functions, leading to confusion and inefficiency in lane changes.
Innovation Solution
The operation device provides dedicated switches for autonomous driving functions adjacent to the driver seat, with one switch for each direction, positioned for easy thumb operation and integrated with interior components like the center console and door trim, featuring protruding portions to prevent accidental operation and enhance user guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation switch is provided at the dedicated surface of the interior component adjacent to the driver seat, then the operability of the in-vehicle switch is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation switch is integrated into the interior component (center console or door trim) that already serves as a structural and functional element in the vehicle. By merging the switch functionality with the existing interior component, the patent improves operability while minimizing additional complexity, as the switch becomes part of the already-present structure rather than adding a completely separate control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The interior component acts as an intermediary between the driver and the vehicle's autonomous driving functions. By placing the operation switch on this intermediate surface, the driver can easily access and operate the switch without directly interacting with the vehicle's control systems, thereby improving ease of operation while distributing system complexity across multiple components.
2Ease of operation
If the operation switch is disposed at a position of the driver's hand in the front-and-rear direction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the area of the interior component required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation switch is positioned at a specific local area on the interior component that corresponds to the driver's hand position when resting on the component. This localized placement ensures ease of operation by placing the switch exactly where the driver's thumb or fingers naturally rest, while minimizing the total area required by concentrating the control function in a small, strategically positioned region rather than spreading controls across a large surface.
3Reliability
If protruding portions are added to the operation switch, then accidental operation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portions on the operation switch create a physical barrier that prevents accidental activation by unintended contact. The protrusions are designed to interfere with the pressing motion required to activate the switch, thereby preliminarily blocking accidental operations before they can occur. This passive mechanical prevention method improves reliability without requiring complex electronic sensors or detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portions create an asymmetric structure on the operation switch that provides tactile feedback and directional guidance to the driver. This asymmetric design allows intentional operation (when the driver deliberately presses the switch) while preventing accidental operation (when contact occurs from the wrong direction or angle). The asymmetry adds minimal complexity by simply modifying the switch's physical shape rather than adding complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The operation device (100) for a vehicle (10) is provided with operation switches (44, 46, 440, 460) at dedicated surfaces (86, 96) that are surfaces of interior components (80, 92) disposed laterally adjacent to the driver seat (12A) of the vehicle (10). The dedicated surfaces (86, 96) face to the sides of the interior components (80, 92) at which the driver seat (12A) is disposed. The operation switches (44, 46, 440, 460) are capable, in accordance with operation by a driver, of instructing control of at least one of an autonomous driving function and a driving assistance function of the vehicle (10) in accordance with operation by a driver.