Retractable Vehicle Control Console for Collision Injury Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle collisions, there is a risk that drivers may hit the control console or steering wheel with significant force, leading to injuries due to the lack of effective protection mechanisms beyond airbags.
Innovation Solution
A retractable console system with a linkage and actuator that locks the control console in an operational position and, upon emergency detection, abruptly moves it to a non-operational position using energy release mechanisms such as springs or chemical reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control console is made fixed and stable for normal operation, then operational reliability is improved, but driver injury risk increases during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The control console transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic movable structure. The linkage mechanism enables the console to move between a forward position (for normal operation) and a retracted position (for collision protection). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between needing stability during normal use and needing mobility during collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded during normal operation to store potential energy. When a collision is detected, this pre-stored energy is rapidly released to drive the console backward, providing protective action before the driver can be injured. The system prepares the retractable mechanism in advance so that protection can be provided immediately when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the control console is made retractable to protect driver safety, then injury risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides self-powered retraction capability, eliminating the need for external motors, actuators, or power sources. The pre-loaded spring automatically drives the console backward when released, using the energy stored during normal operation. This self-service approach reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism serves as an intermediary that connects the spring's linear motion to the console's positional change. This mechanical intermediary simplifies the overall system by using pure mechanical elements rather than complex controlled actuators, reducing device complexity while achieving the required protective motion.
3Speed
If the control console retracts quickly to minimize injury, then protection effectiveness is improved, but control precision becomes harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in distinct periodic phases: during normal operation, the spring gradually stores energy while the console remains stationary; upon collision detection, the stored energy is rapidly released for quick retraction; after retraction, the system stabilizes in the protected position. This periodic operation allows precise control during stable phases while enabling rapid motion during the transient protective phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-loaded during normal operation. This pre-stored energy cushions the rapid retraction motion, allowing the console to move quickly backward in a controlled manner rather than uncontrollably. The pre-cushioned spring ensures both speed and control during the critical protective phase.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system rapidly retracts the control console away from the driver within 0.05 to 0.2 seconds, minimizing the risk of injury by allowing safe movement before impact.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed within the housing interior; and a retaining mechanism to: lock the first member in a position so as to preload the spring; and upon the actuation, unlock the first member to cause the preloaded spring to release to push and cause the first member to move in the longitudinal direction with respect to the housing to carry the second member in the longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid surrounding a longitudinal portion of the sleeve, wherein upon the actuation, the solenoid causes the sleeve to move in the longitudinal direction with respect to the housing to uncover the holes and allow the balls to move externally to the hollow interior of the housing through the holes to unlock the first member
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable console system for a vehicle, which may include: a control console; a linkage coupled to the control console; an actuator coupled to the linkage, the actuator may: lock the linkage and the control console coupled thereto in an operational position; and upon detection of an emergency, abruptly unlock and cause the linkage and the console coupled thereto to move from the operational position to a non-operational emergency position by releasing energy.