Dynamic Armrest Controller for Steering Wheel Grip Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an armrest control system that can smoothly transition a driver's posture from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode by prompting the grip of the steering wheel, as existing techniques do not effectively manage the armrest position during mode switching.
Innovation Solution
An armrest control device with a driving mode determiner and an armrest controller that adjusts the position of the armrest supporter to approach or recede from the steering wheel based on the driving mode change, along with optional components like a driver gripping state determiner and notification controller to facilitate smooth transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the armrest supporter is positioned for comfortable posture in automatic driving mode, then driver comfort is improved, but the driver's ability to quickly grip the steering wheel in manual driving mode is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest supporter's position is made dynamically adjustable based on driving mode. In automatic driving mode, it is positioned for comfortable arm support, while in manual driving mode, it automatically moves to a position that does not interfere with steering wheel grip, thus resolving the contradiction between comfort and response speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically adjusting the armrest supporter's position in advance when switching from automatic to manual driving mode. This ensures the armrest is already in the correct position before the driver needs to grip the steering wheel, eliminating delay and improving response speed
2Productivity
If the armrest supporter moves to approach the steering wheel during mode switching, then the driver is prompted to grip the steering wheel, but driver comfort during automatic driving mode is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest supporter dynamically changes its position based on the detected driving mode. During automatic driving mode, it maintains a comfortable position away from the steering wheel. When mode switching is detected, it moves to approach the steering wheel to prompt the driver, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and comfort
3Ease of operation
If the armrest position is fixed for manual driving mode, then steering operation is facilitated, but driver comfort in automatic driving mode is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest supporter transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position that adapts to different driving modes. It automatically moves between the comfortable position for automatic driving and the steering-facilitating position for manual driving, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest supporter is designed with multi-functionality to serve both automatic and manual driving modes effectively. By automatically adjusting its position based on the driving mode, it fulfills both the comfort requirement for automatic driving and the steering operation requirement for manual driving
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest control device includes a driving mode determiner that determines a switching state of a driving mode of a vehicle capable of switching between an automatic driving mode and a manual driving mode, and an armrest controller that moves a supporter, which supports an arm of a driver of an armrest, so that the supporter approaches a steering wheel, when the driving mode determiner determines that a switching from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode has started.