Stowable Steering Assembly for Autonomous Vehicle Cabin
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles operating in autonomous or semi-autonomous modes, there is a need for a system that allows for seamless transition to manual control while ensuring the steering assembly is securely stowed when not in use, enhancing occupant mobility and safety within the passenger cabin.
Innovation Solution
A stowable user interface system that includes a steering assembly movable between two positions, with a lock mechanism and a panel that can be actuated by a processor to control the steering assembly's position, allowing it to be securely stowed below the seat when not in use, and easily accessible when manual control is required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering assembly is permanently installed in front of the seat for manual control access, then control accessibility is maintained, but occupant mobility within the passenger cabin is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering assembly is designed to be movable between a first position (disposed in front of the seat) and a second position (disposed below the seat). This dynamic repositioning capability allows the system to adapt between manual control accessibility and passenger cabin mobility needs, resolving the contradiction between having the steering assembly permanently installed versus being stowable.
2Area of stationary object
If the steering assembly is stowed below the seat to enhance mobility, then passenger cabin mobility is improved, but control accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a lock mechanism that can be actuated to secure the steering assembly in the first position before operating the vehicle in manual mode. This preliminary locking action ensures control accessibility is restored before manual operation begins, resolving the contradiction between stowing for mobility and maintaining control accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering assembly is made stowable to increase mobility, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to lock mechanism and panel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The steering assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be disposed in front of the seat for manual control operation and stowed below the seat to enhance passenger cabin mobility. This multi-functionality allows a single component to adapt to different operational modes (autonomous vs. manual), resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by making the existing structure multi-purpose rather than adding separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a seat. The system includes a steering assembly including a support shaft and a user interface, the steering assembly movable between a first position and a second position. The steering assembly is disposed in front of the seat in the first position and below the seat in the second position.