Removable Vehicle Control Device for Manual Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack a means for user input during non-autonomous operation, such as steering, acceleration, and braking, especially in cases of sensor or computer failures, or during maintenance, necessitating a control device for manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a body fittable into a vehicle receptacle, featuring a releasable engagement pin and electrical connectors, allowing for the attachment of a steering wheel and user interface, enabling manual control of the vehicle through a steer-by-wire mechanism and user input for propulsion and braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the vehicle operates in autonomous mode without manual controls, then automation level is improved, but the ability to provide user input during failures or maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed as a separable component that can be attached to or removed from the vehicle. The body fits into a receptacle in the instrument panel, allowing the vehicle to have manual controls only when needed (non-autonomous operation, failures, or maintenance), while maintaining full automation capability when the device is removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's control configuration is made dynamic through the removable control device. The system can transition between autonomous mode (device removed) and manual control mode (device attached), allowing adaptability based on operational requirements, failure conditions, or maintenance needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a permanent manual control device is installed in the vehicle, then manual control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of integrating manual controls permanently into the vehicle's instrument panel, the control device is segmented as a separate, removable unit. This reduces the permanent complexity of the vehicle's control system while maintaining the ability to provide manual controls when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable control device serves multiple functions: it provides manual steering, acceleration, and braking controls during non-autonomous operation, and can be used during maintenance or sensor failures. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating various manual control needs into a single device.
3Ease of operation
If the control device is permanently attached to the instrument panel, then ease of operation is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed as a removable unit that can be easily detached from the instrument panel receptacle. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to quickly remove the control device for repair or replacement without disassembling permanent vehicle components, improving ease of repair while maintaining ease of operation when attached.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a vehicle control device that includes a body fittable to a vehicle receptacle. An engagement pin is mounted to a side of the body, releasably lockable to a receptacle hole. A first electrical connector, mounted to a first end of the body, is mateable to an electrical connector, mounted to the receptacle, when the engagement pin is engaged. A steering wheel is releasably and rotatably engagable by a second end of the body.