The 2000 Volvo EyeCar Concept stands as a pinnacle of advanced safety innovation from Volvo Cars, showcasing groundbreaking technology focused on providing every driver, regardless of height or build, with an optimal seating position for enhanced visibility and comfort. The challenge addressed was to offer a comfortable driving position for individuals of varying statures, a feat the automotive industry had struggled with.
Volvo's EyeCar introduced technology involving sensors to register the driver's eye position, facilitating automatic adjustments to the seat height, steering wheel position, pedal box, and even the car's floor. This system aimed to ensure an individually tailored and comfortable driving experience for each user. The B-post design was revamped to improve the driver's field of vision and enhance collision safety.
The technology utilized two methods to determine eye position: one involving light reflection patterns and another utilizing a sensor in the roof measuring electrical current above the driver's seat. The adjustments made by the system were comprehensive, including the seat, pedals, steering column, handbrake lever, and floor, creating a customized driving position for optimal comfort and visibility.
In the event of a collision, the EyeCar's design prioritized enhanced crash safety. The B-post innovation eliminated intrusion into the sideways field of vision while also reinforcing protection in rollover and side-impact scenarios. The driver's seat structure itself was leveraged to absorb collision forces, redirecting them to the car's floor and roof.
Various components, such as adjustable pedals and a collapsible steering column, were incorporated to minimize injuries in frontal impacts. The EyeCar marked Volvo's role as a safety leader within the Ford Motor Company, with its research and development benefiting all entities under the Ford umbrella.
Source: www.autoweb.com.au
Images: Volvo Car Corporation
