Vehicle Stop Apparatus Armrest Switch for Passenger Emergency Braking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle stop systems require drivers to be in a ready position to quickly transition from automatic to manual driving, which can cause delays in emergency stops, and do not allow passengers to easily stop the vehicle in case the driver is incapacitated.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle stop apparatus with an operation switch located on the armrest, accessible by the occupant's upper limb, which activates a brake unit via a controller, enabling passengers to stop the vehicle quickly and safely, even when the driver is not in a ready position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver's seat is moved rearward to allow the driver to be relaxed during automatic driving, then driver fatigue is reduced, but the driver cannot quickly transition to manual driving operation when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The stop operation function is extracted from the driver-only brake pedal and implemented as a separate operation switch accessible to any occupant. This allows the relaxation benefit to be maintained while providing an alternative stopping mechanism that doesn't require the driver to return to a ready position.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation switch provides universal access to the stop function for all occupants, not just the driver. This multi-functional approach allows any occupant to initiate vehicle stopping, eliminating the need for the driver to be in a ready position while maintaining safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only the brake pedal at the driver's seat is provided as the operation unit for manual stopping, then the driver can control the vehicle, but fellow occupants cannot perform emergency stop when the driver is incapacitated
Solution Approach 1:
The operation switch is designed to be accessible to all occupants, providing universal access to the stop function. This ensures that any occupant can initiate emergency stopping regardless of driver status, enhancing system reliability while maintaining driver control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation switch acts as an intermediary device between occupants and the brake system. It provides a new interface for stopping the vehicle that is accessible to all occupants, supplementing the traditional brake pedal and ensuring emergency stop capability even when the driver cannot operate the original controls.
3Ease of operation
If the operation switch is placed at a location accessible by seated occupant's upper limb, then any occupant can operate it, but it must be positioned away from the driver's normal operating area
Solution Approach 1:
The operation switch is positioned on the armrest, a location naturally accessible to all seated occupants regardless of their role or position in the vehicle. This universal placement allows any occupant to easily reach and operate the switch without requiring specialized positioning or complex mechanical arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle stop apparatus includes a brake, an operation switch, and a controller. The brake stops a vehicle. The operation switch is provided at a location that allows the operation switch to be operable by a seated occupant of the vehicle with an upper limb of the occupant. The controller controls activation of the brake. The controller performs the activation of the brake in response to an input received by the operation switch, and thereby causes the brake to stop the vehicle.