Self-adjusting centre console with arm detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle center consoles often fail to achieve an ergonomic position for drivers with varying sizes and body proportions, leading to suboptimal comfort and increased fatigue during use.
Innovation Solution
A method involving optical sensors to detect the driver's arm and determine elbow and hand positions, with a positioning unit automatically adjusting the armrest vertically and parallel to the vehicle axis to achieve an ergonomic position, ensuring the arm is supported and operating elements are within reach without manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the centre console position is adjusted to predefined positions based on driving mode or seat position, then the adjustment process is simplified and can be automated, but the ergonomic optimisation for individual drivers with different body proportions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment systems with optical sensing technology. Optical sensors detect the driver's arm position, elbow angle, and hand location, then this data is processed by a control unit to automatically adjust the centre console to an ergonomically optimal position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while achieving personalized ergonomics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the centre console to automatically adjust itself based on detected driver characteristics. The optical sensors continuously monitor the driver's arm position, and the system self-corrects the console position to maintain ergonomic alignment without requiring driver intervention or pre-programmed settings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual post-adjustment is required to achieve optimal ergonomic position, then adaptability to individual drivers is improved, but the ease of operation and time efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the driver's arm position and ergonomic requirements before the driver begins operating the vehicle. The optical sensors scan and identify the optimal centre console position in advance, and the system automatically adjusts to this position before the driver needs to use the controls, eliminating the need for subsequent manual adjustment during the driving process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through optical sensors that monitor the driver's arm position and elbow angle. The control unit processes this feedback data and automatically adjusts the centre console position to maintain optimal ergonomics throughout the driving journey, adapting to any changes in driver posture or position.
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
Enables easy and reliable ergonomic positioning of the center console for any driver, reducing fatigue and improving comfort by ensuring the arm is adequately supported and operating elements are accessible, enhancing usability during long journeys.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an arm of the driver facing the centre console with the forearm and at least areas of the upper arm by means of one or more optical sensors
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for setting, with regard to the arm of a respective driver (10), an ergonomic position of a centre console (2) with an arm rest (21) and one or more operating elements (22) separate from the arm rest (21) in a vehicle (1), wherein at least the arm rest (21) is moveably mounted, by means of a positioning unit (3), at least vertically as well as parallel to a vehicle axis (FA), comprising detecting (110) an arm (11) of the driver (10) facing the centre console by means of one or more optical sensors (4), determining (120) at least an elbow position (EP) and a hand position (HP) of the arm (11) of the driver (10) using sensor data (SD) of the sensors (4) and an automatic moving (150) of the arm rest (21) of the centre console (2) by means of the positioning unit (3) based on the determined elbow position (EP) and hand position (HP) such that after moving (140) an ergonomic position (ER) of the arm (11) is achieved. Further, the invention relates to a vehicle with a self-setting centre console with arm detection.