Retractable Foot Actuation Device for Automatic Driving Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with automatic driving modes, existing systems restrict foot space and comfort for drivers when switching from manual to automatic driving, as pedals and actuation devices do not retract, limiting legroom and hindering foot movement.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow the foot actuation device and resting surface to move relative to each other, forming a continuous plane in automatic driving mode, enabling comfortable footrest and unobstructed space, with mechanisms like translation or rotation to retract the foot actuation device under the resting surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the foot actuation device projects from the resting surface in manual driving mode to enable driver control, then the driver can operate the vehicle controls, but the foot actuation device restricts foot space and limits driver freedom of movement in automatic driving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The foot actuation device is designed to dynamically change its position relative to the resting surface based on the driving mode. In manual mode, it projects from the resting surface for driver actuation. In automatic mode, it retracts or moves relative to the resting surface to create additional foot space, allowing the same component to serve different spatial requirements for different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The footwell space is segmented into functional zones that can be independently configured. The foot actuation device and resting surface are treated as separable elements that can move relative to each other, allowing the resting surface to form a continuous plane for footrest while the actuation device retracts, creating distinct zones for control and relaxation.
2Extent of automation
If the foot actuation device remains stationary in automatic driving mode, then the vehicle control system can take over vehicle guidance, but the driver's feet are restricted and cannot stretch out or relax comfortably
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts the spatial relationship between the foot actuation device and resting surface in response to the driving mode change. When automatic driving is activated, the foot actuation device moves or retracts relative to the resting surface, automatically creating the comfort configuration without manual intervention, thereby linking automation level to spatial configuration.
3Volume of moving object
If the foot actuation device and resting surface form a continuous plane in automatic driving mode, then the driver can place feet comfortably on a large flat surface, but the foot actuation device must be retracted or covered
Solution Approach 1:
The foot actuation device incorporates movable components that allow it to transition between a projected position for actuation and a retracted/covered position for comfort. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to provide a continuous plane configuration when needed while maintaining the capability for foot actuation when required, with the movement being automatically triggered by mode changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a vehicle that can be operated in a manual driving mode and in an automatic driving mode and has at least one foot actuation device, which in the manual driving mode projects from a plane of a resting surface and can be actuated by a vehicle driver, wherein a switch from the manual driving mode to the automatic driving mode is detected and thereupon the at least one foot actuation device and/or the resting surface are moved relative to one another in such a way that the at least one foot actuation device and the resting surface form a substantially continuous plane or the resting surface forms a substantially continuous plane and the foot actuation device is covered by the plane of the resting surface.