Vehicle Seat Lockout Box for Autonomous Control Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to restrict access to vehicle controls, such as the steering wheel and gear selector, when the vehicle is operating in autonomous mode to ensure safe operation without human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A lockout box is integrated into the vehicle's seat system, which can be positioned to either restrict or permit access to the steering wheel and gear selector based on the seat's upright or folded position, thereby controlling operator access depending on the vehicle's operational mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the seat is folded to enable autonomous operation, then automation capability is improved, but access to vehicle controls becomes compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle control system is segmented into two distinct operational modes: autonomous mode where the seat folds and controls are locked out, and manual mode where the seat is upright and controls are accessible. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for either automation or ease of operation depending on the selected mode, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat position and control access are made dynamic rather than static. The seat can transition between upright and folded positions, and the control access is dynamically adjusted through lockout mechanisms that engage or disengage based on seat position. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between autonomous and manual operation modes, resolving the contradiction between automation capability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the lockout box is positioned to restrict access to controls, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout box mechanism is merged with the existing seat structure. The lockout box is positioned to utilize the space created when the seat is folded, and its operation is integrated with the seat position detection system. This merging approach provides the necessary safety lockout function while minimizing additional complexity by leveraging existing structural and control system components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a seat movable from an upright position to a folded position. The vehicle includes a steering wheel in front of the seat. The vehicle includes a lockout box supported by the seat and positioned to restrict access to the steering wheel when the seat is in the folded position.