Steering Handle Pivoting for Autonomous Vehicle Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles capable of both piloted and manual driving modes, the static installation of a steering handle in piloted mode wastes interior space and can be inadvertently gripped, distracting the user and potentially aborting autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus with a handle that adjusts based on driving mode, pivoting to conceal a display element in manual mode and reveal it in piloted mode, allowing for more space and reduced distraction by hiding the handle when not needed for steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the steering handle is statically installed in the vehicle, then the driver can always access the steering handle for manual control, but interior space is wasted and the steering handle may be inadvertently gripped during piloted driving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The steering handle is made dynamically adjustable between a first position (visible and accessible) and a second position (concealed and inaccessible). The adjustment device enables the steering handle to move between these positions based on driving mode, preventing accidental engagement during piloted driving while maintaining accessibility during manual driving. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by making the steering handle space-efficient and safe without permanently sacrificing interior space.
2Volume of moving object
If the steering handle is adjusted to a position of rest during piloted driving mode, then interior space is increased and accidental engagement is prevented, but the steering handle is not immediately available when manual control is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The steering handle's position is dynamically adjusted based on the detected driving mode. When piloted driving mode is detected, the adjustment device moves the steering handle to the second position (position of rest) to maximize interior space and prevent accidental engagement. When manual driving mode is detected, the adjustment device moves the steering handle to the first position (position of use) to ensure immediate accessibility. This dynamic response to mode changes resolves the contradiction between space efficiency and operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the driving mode in advance and proactively adjusting the steering handle position before manual control is needed. The control device detects whether piloted or manual driving mode is active and preemptively positions the steering handle appropriately, ensuring that when the driver needs to take control, the steering handle is already in the accessible first position.
3Reliability
If the steering handle is made adjustable between position of use and position of rest, then interior space is optimized and safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device serves multiple functions: it repositions the steering handle to optimize interior space, prevents accidental engagement during piloted driving, and ensures accessibility during manual driving. The control device also performs multiple functions by detecting driving mode and controlling both the adjustment device and the driver assistance system. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by justifying the added complexity through significant safety and space optimization benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the driving mode and adjusting the steering handle position without requiring manual intervention from the driver. The control device monitors the driving mode and autonomously controls the adjustment device to position the steering handle appropriately, reducing the burden on the driver and simplifying the user interface while maintaining safety and space efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering handle for a steering apparatus of a motor vehicle includes an end face which faces a user when the steering handle is in a position of use and a display element arranged on a side of the steering handle which faces away from the end face. A control device carries out a method by which a position of the steering handle is changed based on a driving mode set by a driver assistance device. The control device generates an adjustment signal to change between a position of use of the steering handle and a position of rest of the steering handle. When the steering handle is in a position of rest, a surface of the steering handle which faces away from the user when the steering handle is in the position of use instead faces the user.