Movable Instrument Panel for Autonomous Driving Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motor vehicles have limited flexibility in interior space utilization, especially in autonomous driving mode, due to the rigid position of the instrument panel, which restricts space and design options in the passenger compartment.

Innovation Solution

The instrument panel can be moved relative to its holder, retracting or extending in the longitudinal direction, and rotating to adjust its position, allowing for a flexible configuration of the passenger compartment and improved ergonomics, with display devices and operating elements repositioned for optimal driver access and comfort in both manual and autonomous driving modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the instrument panel is fixed in a predetermined position, then the driver can access controls and displays, but the passenger compartment loses flexibility and usable space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver access to controlsVSAvoidpassenger compartment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument panel is designed to be movable along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, transitioning between a retracted position (increasing passenger space) and an extended position (improving driver accessibility). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different operational modes, particularly distinguishing between autonomous driving scenarios where space is prioritized and manual driving scenarios where driver control access is essential.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the instrument panel is retracted into the holder, then passenger compartment space increases, but driver access to display devices and operating elements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger compartment spaceVSAvoiddriver access to controls
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument panel's position is dynamically adjusted based on driving mode. In autonomous driving mode, the panel retracts fully into the holder to maximize passenger compartment volume. In manual driving mode, the panel extends forward to ensure optimal driver access to display devices and operating elements, thus dynamically resolving the space-accessibility trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the instrument panel is moved forward in the longitudinal direction, then driver ergonomics improve, but passenger compartment space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver ergonomicsVSAvoidpassenger compartment area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument panel is designed with dynamic positioning capability along the longitudinal axis. When extended forward, it improves driver ergonomics by placing controls and displays within optimal reach. When retracted, it maximizes passenger compartment area. The system dynamically selects the appropriate position based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If the instrument panel has a rigid fixed position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but interior design flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstrument panel structureVSAvoidinterior design flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument panel incorporates a movable structure that allows dynamic repositioning between retracted and extended states. This dynamic capability enables flexible interior design configurations for different driving modes without requiring complete structural redesign, thus achieving adaptability with moderate complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3823855B1Motor vehicle comprising an instrument panel and method for operating a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 AUDI AG
  • EP3823855B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3823855B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (10) having an instrument panel (18), which has at least one display device for displaying at least one piece of content associated with an operating mode of the motor vehicle (10), and having a steering handle (22) for influencing the lateral control of the motor vehicle (10) by a driver of the motor vehicle (10). The instrument panel (18) is movable, relative to a support (16), which receives the instrument panel (18) and is arranged in a passenger compartment (12) of the motor vehicle (10), from a first position, in which the instrument panel (18) is retracted into the support (16), to a second position, in which the instrument panel (18) is moved further out of the support (16) in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle than in the first position, and from the second position back into the first position. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a motor vehicle (10).