Vehicle Seat Position Adaptation for Automated Driving Mode Switchover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seat adjustment systems restrict comfort positions during automated driving modes, limiting passenger flexibility and safety in case of sudden mode switches due to sensor malfunctions or accident risks, as they do not allow for optimal seating adjustments for rapid driver intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that adjust the vehicle seat from a comfort position to an upright position during or before switching from automated to manual driving mode, using transition signals, position signals, and additional information signals to ensure the driver can safely assume control, with optional blocking of comfort position adjustments to prevent injury risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seat position is adjusted to an upright position during mode switchover, then the driver can rapidly assume control and safety is improved, but the comfort position flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary seat position adjustment before the mode switchover is completed. When a transition from automated to manual driving mode is detected, the seat device is automatically adjusted to an upright position in advance, ensuring the driver is properly positioned to assume control before the transition finishes, thereby improving safety without requiring manual intervention.
2Speed
If the seat adjustment is automated, then rapid position change is achieved, but the driver cannot adjust at their own pace
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the seat adjustment behavior based on the driving mode transition state. During automated driving mode, the seat can be adjusted freely by the driver. When a transition to manual mode is detected, the system automatically adjusts the seat to the upright position, providing both automated speed and context-appropriate control flexibility.
3Reliability
If the comfort position is blocked during switchover, then injury risk is minimized, but passenger comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by blocking the seat device from returning to comfort position during the switchover period. When the transition from automated to manual driving mode is detected, the system prevents the seat from being adjusted back to a reclined or comfortable position, ensuring the driver maintains an upright, alert posture appropriate for manual control, thereby minimizing injury risk during the critical transition period.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for adapting a position of a seat device of a passenger of a vehicle during and/or prior to a switchover of the vehicle from an automated driving mode to a manual driving mode, the method having at least a step of providing, in which an adjustment signal is provided to an interface to a seat device of the vehicle using a transition signal and a position signal, and the adjustment signal causes a change in the position of the seat device from a comfort position to an upright position, and the transition signal indicates or represents an upcoming transition from an automated driving mode to a manual driving mode of the vehicle, and the position signal indicates or represents the position of the seat device of the passenger, the provision of the adjustment signal taking place when the position signal indicates or represents the comfort position, and/or the provision not taking place when the position signal indicates or represents the upright position; and/or providing a blocking signal in response to the transition signal when the position signal indicates or represents an upright position, the blocking signal blocking an adjustment of the upright position to a comfort position by the passenger.