Dynamic Vehicle Configuration for Autonomous Mode Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles do not effectively utilize vehicle design constraints that change or become irrelevant when transitioning between autonomous and manual operations, leading to inefficiencies in operating modes without a driver or passengers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle processor determines configuration changes to modify the exterior and interior shapes based on occupancy status, implementing driverless and passenger-less modes by adjusting parameters such as windshield angle, roof height, and window positions, using actuators to reconfigure vehicle parts according to predicted operating modes or environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vehicle maintains a fixed configuration suitable for occupied mode, then safety and comfort for occupants are ensured, but operating efficiency and cargo capacity are reduced when no occupants are present
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle configuration is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts exterior shape parameters (windshield angle, roof height, window positions) and interior layout based on real-time occupancy detection. When no occupants are detected, the vehicle transitions to an optimized configuration for cargo capacity and fuel efficiency, and reverses when occupants are present, resolving the contradiction between fixed safety requirements and dynamic efficiency needs.
2Quantity of substance
If the vehicle configuration is optimized for cargo capacity with reduced exterior volume, then cargo carrying capacity improves, but safety and accessibility for occupants deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary occupancy detection and configuration adjustment before cargo loading or occupant entry. When the vehicle is detected to be unoccupied, it automatically transitions to a compact configuration optimized for cargo capacity. When occupants approach or are detected inside, the system preemptively switches to the occupied configuration, ensuring safety and accessibility are maintained before occupants need to interact with the vehicle.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle operates in autonomous mode without driver monitoring, then fuel efficiency and operating cost improve, but the ability to respond to unexpected situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback through occupancy sensors that monitor the presence and state of drivers and passengers. This feedback loop enables the vehicle to automatically adjust its configuration and operational mode. When no driver is detected, the vehicle operates in autonomous mode with optimized fuel efficiency settings. When a driver is detected or requested, the system transitions to manual mode, ensuring the ability to respond to unexpected situations is maintained through real-time sensor feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include methods and vehicles that may include determining whether to initiate a configuration change protocol to implement a configuration change for modifying the arrangement of the vehicle internal structure in response to a planned or predicted future operating mode, event or environment. Also, determining whether an occupancy status of the vehicle conflicts with an occupancy status allowed for in a configuration called for by a configuration change input or indication. Further, modifying an arrangement of the vehicle internal structure in accordance with the configuration change input or indication in response to determining that the occupancy status of the vehicle does not conflict with the occupancy status allowed for in the configuration called for by the configuration change.