Self-adjusting centre console with arm detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle center console systems fail to provide an ergonomic position for drivers of varying sizes and body proportions, leading to suboptimal comfort and increased fatigue during operation.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing optical sensors, such as ToF cameras or dual camera systems, to detect the driver's arm and determine elbow and hand positions, allowing for automatic adjustment of the center console's armrest along vertical and horizontal axes to achieve an ergonomic position, ensuring comfortable operation without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the centre console position is adjusted to defined positions based on driving mode or coupled with vehicle seat movement, then the adjustment process is simplified and can be automated, but the positions achieved only cover a small portion of required positions and ergonomic optimality is rarely achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of centre console adjustmentVSAvoidrange of achievable positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses optical sensors to detect the driver's arm position and provides feedback to automatically adjust the centre console to an ergonomically optimal position. The control unit processes sensor data about elbow and hand positions, then actuates the positioning unit to move the arm rest accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that adapts to individual driver anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The centre console system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting the driver's arm position through optical sensors and autonomously positioning the arm rest to support the elbow while keeping operating elements within hand reach, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the driver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If the centre console provides fixed positions adjusted ex works or individually, then the system structure remains simple, but manual post-adjustment is typically required to find an improved position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of centre console systemVSAvoidmanual adjustment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated system combining optical sensors, control unit, and electric positioning mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for driver intervention while achieving precise ergonomic positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If optical sensors are used to detect arm position and automatic moving is implemented, then ergonomic positioning is achieved reliably, but the device complexity increases with additional sensors and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic position achievementVSAvoidsensor and control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensors serve multiple functions: detecting the driver's presence, determining arm position, identifying elbow and hand locations, and triggering the adjustment process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each detection task, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 adjustment of the center console to an ergonomic position for any driver, reducing fatigue and improving operational efficiency by ensuring the arm is adequately supported and the operating elements are within reach, enhancing comfort and safety 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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11173819B2Self-adjusting centre console with arm detection

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 MOTHERSON INNOVATIONS CO LTD

AI summary

A method for setting an ergonomic position of a center console with an arm rest and with one or more operating elements separate from the arm rest in a vehicle, includes detecting an arm of a driver facing the centre console with a forearm and at least areas of an upper arm using one or more optical sensors; determining at least an elbow position and a hand position of the arm of the driver using sensor data of the sensors by means of a suitable evaluation method; and automatically moving the arm rest of the centre console using the positioning unit based on the determined elbow positions and hand positions at least vertical as well as parallel to the vehicle axis so that after moving an ergonomic position of the arm is achieved.