Lockout Assembly for Autonomous Vehicle Seat Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous vehicles, passengers may inadvertently access the trunk or cargo area by folding down rear seats, which can compromise safety and security, especially in self-driving modes where manual intervention is not possible.
Innovation Solution
A lockout assembly is provided that includes a base unit and a cover, which secures over the latching mechanism receptacle, preventing passengers from actuating the latching mechanism and folding down the seats, using a fastener and clip members to ensure secure installation and a tool for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latching mechanism is made easily accessible for seat folding, then ease of operation is improved, but passenger safety and security deteriorate due to unauthorized access to trunk/cargo area
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism system is segmented into two functional parts: the original latching mechanism for authorized operation, and a separate lockout assembly with cover that can be installed to prevent access. This segmentation allows the system to switch between accessible and restricted states without modifying the core latching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockout assembly cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the passenger and the latching mechanism. When installed, it physically blocks access to the latching mechanism while still allowing the base unit to function when needed by authorized personnel.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a lockout assembly is installed to prevent access to the latching mechanism, then passenger safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout assembly is designed to be dynamically installable and removable rather than permanently fixed. The spring-loaded clip members enable the cover to be easily snapped into and out of the base unit, allowing the system to adapt between locked and unlocked states without permanent modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockout assembly uses simple, inexpensive components such as spring-loaded clips and a basic cover structure that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The design avoids complex locking mechanisms, electronics, or expensive materials.
3Reliability
If the lockout assembly uses permanent fixation methods, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates due to difficulty in removal
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable between a secure locked state during normal operation and an easily released state when removal is needed. The spring-loaded clips provide reliable holding force during use but can be quickly disengaged by applying outward force.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockout assembly is designed to be easily installed and removed by end users without requiring specialized tools or technical expertise. The snap-fit design with external access to the clips allows passengers or maintenance personnel to independently install or remove the lockout assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology provides a lockout assembly that covers a latching mechanism, where the latching mechanism would enable a passenger to fold down the rear seat(s) of a vehicle. This can be particularly beneficial when the vehicle is operating in an autonomous driving mode, because certain areas within the vehicle may be restricted from passenger access. For instance, access to the trunk or cargo area may be limited to authorized service personnel. The lockout assembly includes a base unit and a cover. The cover is releasably secured to the base unit using one or more clip members. The base unit is fixedly secured to a receptacle of the latching mechanism using one or more fastener members, such as a screw. Once the cover is releasably secure, it may be completely or substantially flush with an inner edge of the receptacle.