Vehicle Operating Device Position Detection for Driver Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle operating devices fail to safely differentiate between functions for drivers and passengers, potentially causing distraction and compromising safety while driving.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a position detection system that allows functions to be divided into two groups, where only driver-approved functions are accessible when the device is in a specific position for the driver, and passenger-approved functions, including internet access, are accessible when in a different position for the passenger, ensuring safety by blocking distracting functions from the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile operating device is made accessible to the driver for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but driving safety deteriorates due to potential distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operating device into two distinct physical positions: a driver position and a passenger position. The holder device enables the operating device to be stably positioned in either location, physically separating driver-accessible functions from passenger-accessible functions. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing easy operation when positioned for the driver while preventing distraction through positional restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder device acts as an intermediary between the mobile operating device and the vehicle interior. It provides stable positioning and enables intentional placement in either driver or passenger position, mediating the interaction between the operating device and users. This intermediary structure ensures that the device can be easily accessed when properly positioned while maintaining safety through controlled positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are made available on the operating device for passenger use, then adaptability is improved, but driving safety deteriorates due to distracting functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional qualities to different physical positions of the same device. When positioned in the driver area, the operating device provides driver-appropriate functions. When positioned in the passenger area, it provides expanded functions including potentially distracting ones. This local differentiation of function based on position resolves the contradiction between versatility and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its functional availability based on the physical position of the operating device. The holder device enables the operating device to be moved between positions, and the system adjusts which functions are accessible based on detected position. This dynamic adaptation allows full versatility when positioned for passengers while maintaining safety when positioned for drivers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operating device can be positioned in multiple locations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to position detection and control
Solution Approach 1:
The holder device enables self-service positioning through its mechanical design. The operating device can be manually placed in either the driver position or passenger position by the user without requiring complex automated detection or control systems. The physical structure of the holder provides stable positioning and intuitive placement, allowing the system to achieve position flexibility through simple, self-service mechanics rather than complex detection systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device in a vehicle (1), with a mobile operating arrangement (4) comprising a display surface (5) that can display at least one display element (19-4) with which a plurality of functions can be associated, a holder (14) which can receive said mobile operating arrangement (4), an input device (6, 8, 10, 20) for carrying out an input action associated with a function belonging to said display element (19-4), and a control device (7) for generating a control command depending on an input into said input device (6, 8, 10, 20). The claimed operating device is characterised in that the holder (14) is designed to allow the mobile operating arrangement (4) to be positioned in at least two positions, in that the operating device has a position-detecting device (17) coupled to the control device (7) and by means of which the positions of the mobile operating arrangement (4) received by the holder (14) can be detected, in that the functions associated with the display element (19-4) are divided into at least two functional groups, and in that the control device (7) is designed such that only control commands of the first functional group can be generated when the position-detecting device (17) detects that the mobile operating arrangement (4) is in a first position, and that only control commands of the second functional group can be generated when the position-detecting device (17) detects that the mobile operating arrangement (4) is in the second position.