Movable Cabin Partition Wall for Autonomous Vehicle Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack the flexibility to dynamically adjust their interior configurations to accommodate varying service assignments without requiring human intervention or visits to service depots, limiting their ability to efficiently provide diverse transportation services.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous vehicle equipped with a movable partition wall and retractable seats, controlled by a computing system that adjusts the interior layout based on service assignments, allowing for real-time reconfiguration to accommodate different numbers of users and items without the need for human intervention or depot visits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the autonomous vehicle uses a fixed interior configuration, then the vehicle structure is simple and stable, but the vehicle cannot adapt to different service assignments
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position along a guide rail between a retracted position (for passenger seating) and an extended position (for cargo storage). This dynamic configuration enables the vehicle interior to adapt to different service assignments while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall serves multiple functions: it separates the passenger compartment from the cargo compartment, provides structural support, and acts as a movable boundary that can be positioned differently based on service needs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
2Extent of automation
If the partition wall is manually adjusted, then the adjustment mechanism is simple, but human intervention is required reducing automation
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's computing system automatically controls the partition wall's movement based on received service assignments. The system determines whether the partition wall should be in the retracted or extended position and actuates it accordingly without requiring manual intervention, thereby achieving self-service automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system receives service assignment data as input and uses this information to determine the appropriate partition wall position. The computing system processes the service assignment information and translates it into control signals for the partition wall actuator, creating a feedback loop that automates the adjustment process based on operational requirements.
3Productivity
If the vehicle visits service depots for reconfiguration, then precise configuration is achieved, but time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is pre-configured to different positions based on the type of service assignment received. The computing system determines the required configuration in advance and adjusts the partition wall before the vehicle begins its service route, eliminating the need for time-consuming depot visits for reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual or mechanical reconfiguration process at service depots is replaced by an automated electronic control system that can adjust the partition wall position remotely and quickly. This substitution of mechanical depot-based reconfiguration with an automated electronic control system significantly reduces the time required for interior adjustment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the partition wall is made movable for flexibility, then adaptability improves, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A fixed guide rail serves as an intermediary structure that supports the movable partition wall. The partition wall moves along this rigid guide rail, which provides structural stability and ensures precise positioning. The guide rail acts as a mediator that enables the partition wall's movement while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the vehicle interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle interior is segmented into distinct functional zones (passenger compartment and cargo compartment) that can be independently configured. The partition wall divides the interior space and can be positioned at different locations along the guide rail, allowing flexible segmentation while maintaining structural stability through the fixed rail system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automatically adjusting the interior cabin of an autonomous vehicle are provided. In one example embodiment, an autonomous vehicle can include a main body including a floor and a ceiling that at least partially define an interior cabin of the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle can include a partition wall that is movable within the interior cabin of the autonomous vehicle. The partition wall can extend between the floor to the ceiling of the main body. The autonomous vehicle can include a computing system configured to receive data indicative of one or more service assignments associated with the autonomous vehicle and to adjust a position of the partition wall within the interior cabin based at least in part on the one or more service assignments.