Movable Steering Wheel and Pedal Assembly for Autonomous Mode Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicles lack an efficient mechanism to laterally shift the steering wheel and pedals between active and inactive positions, particularly for autonomous driving modes, which can lead to inadvertent actuation and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle equipped with a movable support structure connected to a powered actuator that simultaneously moves the steering wheel and pedals between active and inactive positions, utilizing a pivot arm and guide structure for lateral movement, and includes a pedal shield to prevent inadvertent actuation in the inactive position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel and pedals are fixed in the driver's seating area position, then the driver can easily access and operate them, but the vehicle cannot support autonomous driving modes and risks inadvertent actuation when inactive
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel and pedals are mounted on a movable support structure that can dynamically reposition between an active position (aligned with driver's seating area) and an inactive position (aligned with center area), allowing the system to adapt between manual and autonomous driving modes while preventing inadvertent actuation when inactive
Solution Approach 2:
A movable support structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the steering wheel/pedals and the vehicle interior, enabling controlled movement between active and inactive positions. Additionally, a pedal shield serves as a physical intermediary barrier to prevent inadvertent contact with pedals when in inactive position
2Area of stationary object
If the steering wheel and pedals are positioned in the center area when inactive, then space is optimized and inadvertent actuation is prevented, but the transition mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions the steering wheel and pedals in the active position during manual driving, repositions them to the inactive position during autonomous driving, and provides a mounting structure for the pedal shield, thereby optimizing space without requiring separate mechanisms for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel and pedals are combined on a single movable support structure, allowing them to be repositioned together as one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate actuation mechanisms needed and simplifies the overall system while achieving space optimization
3Ease of operation
If a powered actuator is used to move the steering wheel and pedals, then seamless transition between driving modes is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powered actuator operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only during mode transitions between manual and autonomous driving. During normal operation in either mode, the actuator remains inactive, minimizing energy consumption while still providing seamless transitions when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle includes a steering wheel and/or pedals that can be moved from an active driving position to an inactive or stowed position. The motor vehicle may include a pedal shield that substantially blocks a driver's access to the pedals when the pedals are in an inactive position. The steering wheel and pedals may shift laterally simultaneously between the active and inactive positions or configurations.