Method for reducing injuries caused by acceleration sickness in vehicle seat occupants - Patent application

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for reducing injury caused by acceleration sickness of an occupant in a vehicle seat (10) of a motor vehicle, in which at the latest when an injury caused by acceleration sickness of the occupant is detected, at least one set of measures for predetermined sensory stimulation of the occupant is taken, the occupant is moved to a seating position (S) leaning against a backrest (12) of the vehicle seat (10), in which the occupant's head is held in a predetermined holding position by a headrest (14) of the vehicle seat (10), a cooling device (16) of the vehicle seat (10) performs a partial cooling treatment on the occupant, at least one sensory stimulation is performed at at least one stimulation point (P), and a stimulation element (18) of the vehicle seat (10) simulates the movement of the motor vehicle in response to the detected injury caused by acceleration sickness.Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle seat.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for reducing injuries caused by acceleration sickness of an occupant on a vehicle seat according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle seat. [Background technology]

[0002] When a vehicle is moving, the body is essentially stationary in the vehicle seat, so muscle receptors do not notify the brain of movement. Instead, the eyes notify the brain of high-speed movement during driving. The balance organs in the inner ear provide information about curves, acceleration, and / or gradients, but these information conflict with the initial information. This inconsistent information overloads the brain, which it interprets as a dangerous situation. As a result, stress hormones are secreted, causing symptoms such as dizziness and / or nausea. Psychological factors such as anxious anticipation can also exacerbate the symptoms. Therefore, stress reduction and / or stress avoidance and / or information that harmonizes with driving are the starting point for countermeasures. It is also conceivable to reduce unfamiliar or unexpected passive movements. Programs for predicting and preventing characteristics resulting from acceleration sickness during secondary vehicle activities are already known in the prior art.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 already discloses a method for reducing injuries caused by acceleration sickness of an occupant in a vehicle, in which at the latest, at the time when a injury caused by acceleration sickness of the occupant is detected, at least one measure is taken for the occupant to receive a desired sensory stimulation.

[0004] Separately, Patent Document 2 discloses a seat, particularly a vehicle seat, including at least one vibration element formed from a solid-borne sound generator. In this seat, a plurality of vibration elements, each formed as a solid-borne sound generator, are arranged in a predetermined matrix on the seating portion and / or backrest portion of the seat as an assisting device and / or a massaging device.

[0005] Similarly, the prior art also knows programs for preventing nausea, such as the "motion sickness prevention program," in which haptic and proprioceptive elements allow the customer to perceive and experience the vehicle motion in the dimensions of acceleration, steering and gradient. The seat system functions as a tactile information system to reduce sensory impact. The customer experiences acceleration, steering, and gradients through the seat system. The display device (MBUX display) shows a simplified schematic representation of the driver's head position, which is configured for information and feedback purposes to minimize movement. It is desirable to provide a mode to support the driver, passengers, or other vehicle occupants in highly automated transportation when they feel nauseous. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] DE102018008629A1 [Patent Document 2] DE1020142016161A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for providing assistance to a driver of a motor vehicle in the event of a fault due to acceleration sickness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This problem is solved by a method and a vehicle seat according to the invention with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, and advantageous embodiments of the method can also be considered as advantageous embodiments of the vehicle seat and vice versa.

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a method for reducing an injury caused by acceleration sickness of an occupant in a vehicle seat in a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger vehicle, particularly an at least partially autonomous motor vehicle, in which at least one set of measures for targeted sensory stimulation of the occupant is taken at the latest when an injury caused by acceleration sickness of the occupant is detected. In other words, when an injury caused by acceleration sickness is detected, a signal for supporting the occupant is provided and transmitted to a corresponding entity. For example, the occupant's health status can be recorded via a sensor device, as well as via a camera, a recording device, a thermometer, a pulse meter, and other components. In particular, for example, heart rate, facial sweating, and / or other characteristics suggesting such an injury caused by acceleration sickness can be and / or are preferably recorded. For example, if the occupant potentially feels nauseous, at least one measure for supporting the occupant so that the occupant can recover is taken. For this purpose, the respective sensor device or the component detecting the occupant's state transmits at least one signal to, for example, an electronic computing device for controlling the method, whereby, for example, an evaluation can first be carried out or an evaluation is carried out, followed by at least partially controlling further components for prevention or for supporting the occupant, which is in particular provided at least partially automatically, in particular according to the invention, the occupant is provided with assistance for preventing, in particular completely avoiding, nausea, dizziness, etc. within a short time, in the range of seconds, in particular in the range of milliseconds.

[0010] To achieve the object of the present invention, an occupant is first moved to a seating position in which he or she leans against the backrest of a vehicle seat, and in this seating position, the occupant's head is held in a predetermined holding position by a headrest of the vehicle seat. Here, the vehicle seat is adjustable, and in particular the backrest is tilted, reclined, or lowered backward by a predetermined angle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to move the occupant to the resting position or the reclining seating position, and in particular the calf support is raised, tilted, or moved forward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by a predetermined angle, in particular in conjunction with the movement or displacement of the backrest, so that the reclining seating position of the vehicle seat is adjustable or adjusted for the entire body of the occupant. Furthermore, the headrest, which is rigidly connected to or held by the vehicle seat, in particular the backrest, is configured to hold the occupant's head in one position, in particular the holding position. In this case, the support is realized, for example, by the cushion-shaped side abutments of the headrest, for example, by folding them toward each other or toward the occupant's head, thereby supporting the head against leftward and / or rightward movement in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In other words, the headrest is configured to prevent leftward and rightward movement or to support the head so that it is not swung or thrown, and in particular, the headrest is also configured to damp vibrations or counteract acceleration only under certain conditions. However, it should be noted that in this case, measures to reduce injuries due to acceleration sickness can also support acceleration if they are intended to support it. This means that the occupant can lie on their back, or the occupant's back can lean against the seatback and the head can be held stationary, or the head can lean against the headrest and the head can be held stationary against the headrest. In particular, in this case, it is achieved that the head is kept stationary by means of a cushion or an automated cushion or another mechanical aid, and the back is also pressed as close as possible to the backrest.

[0011] Subsequently, as another measure to reduce the damage caused by acceleration sickness, the occupant should be cooled by a cooling device. This means that heat needs to be dissipated and the occupant should be at least partially cooled. In particular, heat dissipation and cooling support vasoconstriction to counteract dizziness and nausea. In other words, the vehicle seat is provided with cooling devices and / or cooling means and / or cooling lines and / or other components for cooling or thermostating the vehicle seat, in particular for thermostating and / or cooling the surface of the vehicle seat. In other words, the vehicle seat is provided with cooling means or devices at certain locations, points or surfaces, which can perform respective cooling or thermostating depending on the settings and the occupant's physique or other posture. In particular, in addition to cooling, heating is also possible, thereby also transferring heat to the occupant's body, in particular the upper body. Also, for example, a thermometer and / or another sensor device is arranged for open-loop, in particular closed-loop, control of the at least partially automated cooling treatment, in which case other means are also applicable, for example an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle connected to the vehicle seat for realizing cooling of the front side of the occupant, or alternatively, other air ducts or cooling devices for realizing cooling treatment of the occupant, in particular also for realizing cooling of the legs, torso and neck.

[0012] Furthermore, as a further measure to alleviate the disorders caused by acceleration sickness, the present invention provides at least one sensory stimulation at at least one stimulation point. Here, stimulation elements arranged on the vehicle seat provide sensory stimulation that at least partially stimulates the occupant's body at the stimulation point. The sensor-based stimulation is particularly intended to be massage or vibration. For example, massage bubbles in the backrest or cushion can be individually inflated, thus massaging the body. Here, the massage bubbles can be inflated in a defined sequence, so that each stimulation point individually massages. Alternatively, vibration motors can also be attached to the stimulation points, so that the sensory stimulation is also expressed by vibration, which can also be individually controlled. Here, for example, all stimulation elements are electrically or electronically connected to an electronic computing device or control device, which is configured to stimulate each stimulation point according to the settings. This allows the occupant's body to be stimulated at a specific stimulation point so as to counteract nausea and dizziness.

[0013] Finally, as another measure, the vehicle's movement is simulated by the stimulation elements of the vehicle seat in response to the detected disturbances due to acceleration sickness. In particular, the stimulation elements are formed as massage bubbles, and each of the stimulation elements simulates a movement, in particular the acceleration movement of the vehicle, and in particular automatically simulates increased acceleration in response to the movement of the vehicle, thereby compensating for the discrepancy between the movement sequence of the occupant's eyes and the lack of movement sensation. In other words, the occupant's vision is supported by the movement simulation by the stimulation elements. Here, the stimulation elements are massage bubbles that expand accordingly depending on the settings. In particular, the surface of the backrest can be provided with massage bubbles that are aligned and cover the surface or only a portion of the surface. In other words, the backrest is covered by the massage bubbles. In this case, when the massage bubbles expand, movement to the left and / or right can be simulated or is simulated. In this case, the outermost massage bubbles expand more along the surface, particularly the most, than the massage bubbles located on the opposite side, in order to provide a linear reduction in the size of the massage bubbles. In other words, the outermost massage bubbles on one side of the surface are fully expanded, while the massage bubbles on the other side of the backrest are less expanded or not expanded at all. This results in an inclined surface that slightly rotates the occupant's upper body. Alternatively, only half of the backrest can be displaced with massage bubbles so that only one side of the occupant's upper body experiences a rotation. Such expansion of the massage bubbles causes the upper body to slightly accelerate to the left and / or right. Alternatively, the seating area of ​​the vehicle seat, like the backrest, can also be provided with and function as massage bubbles, and in this case, a slight twisting motion along the vehicle longitudinal axis is also realized. In other words, the occupant can be at least partially rotated and / or moved, so that the acceleration or movement of the vehicle can be felt or simulated.In particular, in this case, all models and options offered by the vehicle seat are subject to closed-loop and / or open-loop control by an electronic computing device located thereon.

[0014] Finally, the focus of the present invention is to minimize sensory impacts that may cause nausea or dizziness. Such prevention should be designed to ensure that "motion sickness" never occurs. Here, a massage system consisting of air-fillable bubbles can be used in the backrest and / or cushion and / or hand, arm, or foot support or warning pads. Furthermore, pumps, control devices, and valve blocks can also be arranged. A possible complement is to implement vibration motors in the cushion and / or backrest. Furthermore, a possible complement to individual vibrations is to use transducers, for example, in the backrest. The processing unit pre-calculates the next driving maneuver or steering direction based on navigation information, the driver's steering behavior, or other parameters, and this information can be used for proactive control of components. This information, e.g., "steer right," is translated into a sequence of expanding massage bubbles in the seat back or seat cushion or ground, which pressurize the body so that it moves in the same direction as the steering behavior, e.g., the back or upper body, and / or legs or pelvis. In this way, the perceived impact is reduced, or in the best case, no longer present. For example, when a vehicle is steered to the right, the massage bubbles in the left back area fill, so that the upper body is turned to the right rather than the direction of travel. The larger the curve, the more bubbles will inflate, and the more concentrated the expansion of those bubbles may be considered. Similarly, to support the sensation of turning left, massage bubbles on the right side of the seat back may be inflated. To clearly present the information, this logic may be supplemented with a vibration motor in the cushion.

[0015] In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a visual fixation point is provided for the occupant in a reclining seating position. This means that the occupant is provided with a visual fixation point or is informed to fixate on a visual fixation point, so that the occupant can concentrate on this fixation point. Alternatively, the windshield of the vehicle can be displayed with a scene on which the occupant can concentrate and ideally has such a fixation point. In other words, the occupant is displayed, for example, on the windshield or other surface, with points, places, or objects, particularly fixation points that are as difficult to miss as possible, which require the occupant's concentration as an observer and at least partially calm the occupant or offset the disturbances caused by acceleration sickness.

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention in which at least one calming message is displayed to the occupant is also advantageous. For this purpose, the vehicle's display device can be used to inform the occupant, for example, to lean back, keep their head still, relax, etc. In particular, the occupant can be informed not only by simulation but also by psychological support by being informed via the display device that active support is being provided. In particular, the display device has a display surface that displays warning signals, calming instructions, or relaxing animations or videos that counteract the disorders caused by acceleration sickness. Alternatively, it can also display functions that the occupant can select and execute to counteract the values ​​measured by the sensor device.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cooling device performs at least one second cooling treatment on the occupant, which is performed by the vehicle seat after the simulation of the journey according to the invention, whereby cooling is further maintained or initiated again, thereby counteracting the dizziness and nausea of ​​the occupant. In particular, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are stimulated in a beneficial manner for the occupant, thus in particular influencing and thus strengthening the parasympathetic nervous system of the nervous system.

[0018] Finally, in another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the acoustic and visual settings of the vehicle cabin are adapted, whereby both lighting effects and dimming can be implemented, as well as the acoustic environment settings being changed, for example by playing soothing music, thereby providing the passengers with a very relaxing cabin.

[0019] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, having all the features to implement a method for reducing injuries caused by acceleration sickness of an occupant in a vehicle seat.

[0020] In other words, the present invention can provide support to occupants when nausea and dizziness occur. In this case, in the processing unit, an electronic computing device detects indications of gradients, turns, and accelerations. These are detected, for example, by information about steering angle changes, navigation information derived from route planning, accelerator pedal operation, and information from an altimeter. Based on this, sequences and patterns of component functions in the vehicle seat are created, which limit the corresponding vehicle motion relative to the body. Information about vehicle motion, such as steering to the right or left, three-stage acceleration, and three-stage gradient, is detected and processed. Based on this, patterns for controlling components are created and transmitted to the components. Such components can include sequences for fans, driving dynamics functions, dynamic comfort systems such as massage, and vibration motors. These are controlled according to the patterns to reduce dizziness and nausea in the occupants. The more extreme, fast, or careless the driving, the more components need to receive the patterns and be controlled according to the patterns. The dynamic activation of such patterns can be performed depending on the dimension of the driving movement from the start of the program to the end of the program. The duration can be selectively adjusted by the occupant, for example. Here, a default setting of, for example, 10 minutes can be set. Parallel information for stabilizing head and body position can be displayed on the display device, where these positions are previously detected via a camera system for driver observation.

[0021] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned in the above description and below in the description of several figures and / or shown in a single figure can be used not only in the combinations respectively described, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] A vehicle seat 10 according to the invention for a motor vehicle is shown, which has all the features for implementing a method for reducing injuries caused by acceleration sickness in an occupant. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The figure shows a vehicle seat 10 for a motor vehicle, in which at least one set of measures for intended sensory stimulation of an occupant is implemented when a disturbance due to acceleration sickness (not shown) of the occupant is detected. In this vehicle seat, the occupant is moved into a seating position S leaning against the backrest 12 of the vehicle seat, where the occupant's head is held in a predetermined holding position by the headrest 14 of the vehicle seat. The occupant then undergoes a partial cooling treatment, in which at least one cooling device 16 configured to at least partially cool a region of the occupant's body is arranged both on the backrest 12 and on the headrest 14. Alternatively, a heating device 20 for a heating treatment is also arranged. A number of stimulation elements 18 are arranged on the vehicle 10, in particular on the backrest 12 and the seating portion 13, by means of which a sensory stimulation is performed at at least one stimulation point P. In particular, the stimulus element 18 is configured as a bubble that is at least partially inflated and deflated depending on the settings by a control device, not shown in the drawings, and by means of the stimulus element 18 it is possible to simulate the running of a vehicle depending on the disturbances caused by the detected acceleration error.

[0024] At least one fixed point, not shown in the drawings, can be displayed in the vehicle cabin, so that the occupants can focus on this fixed point during the method. At least one calming message can also be displayed to the occupants using a display device, not shown, instructing them to stay calm, for example. Finally, auditory and visual settings can also be provided in the vehicle cabin 24 to help the occupants relax.

[0025] In response to the detected disturbance due to the acceleration error, the vehicle's movement is simulated by the stimulation elements 18 of the vehicle seat 10. In particular, the stimulation elements 18 are formed as massage bubbles, and in each of the stimulation elements 18, a movement, in particular an acceleration movement of the vehicle, is simulated, in particular an automatic simulation of increased acceleration in response to the vehicle's movement, thereby compensating for the discrepancy between the movement sequence of the occupant's eyes and the lack of movement sensation. In other words, the occupant's vision is supported by the movement simulation by the stimulation elements 18. Here, the stimulation elements 18 are massage bubbles that expand accordingly depending on the settings. In particular, the surface of the backrest 12 can be provided with massage bubbles, for example, which are aligned and cover the surface or only a part of the surface. In other words, the backrest 12 is covered with massage bubbles. In this case, when the massage bubbles expand, movement to the left and / or right can be simulated or is simulated. In this case, the outermost massage bubbles expand more along the surface, particularly the most, than the massage bubbles located on the opposite side, in order to provide a linear reduction in the size of the massage bubbles. In other words, the outermost massage bubbles on one side of the surface are fully expanded, while the massage bubbles 12 on the other side of the backrest 12 are less expanded or not expanded at all. This results in an inclined surface that slightly rotates the upper body of the occupant. Alternatively, only half of the backrest 12 can be displaced with massage bubbles so that only one side of the occupant's upper body experiences a rotation. Such expansion of the massage bubbles slightly accelerates the upper body to the left and / or right, and the massage bubbles are configured to move the upper body with a predetermined force F at a predetermined acceleration. Alternatively, massage bubbles can also be provided and function in the seating area of ​​the vehicle seat 10, similar to the backrest 12, in which case a slight twisting along the vehicle longitudinal axis is also realized.In other words, the occupant can be at least partially rotated and / or moved so that the acceleration or movement of the vehicle can be felt or simulated, particularly in this case where all models and options offered by the vehicle seat 10 are subject to closed-loop and / or open-loop control by an electronic computing device located thereon.

[0026] In addition to the backrest 12, a seat 13 can also be used to support the occupant when nausea and dizziness occur. In this case, in the processing unit, indications of gradients, turns, and accelerations are detected by an electronic computing device. These are detected, for example, by information about steering angle changes, navigation information resulting from route planning, accelerator pedal operation, and information from an altimeter. Based on this, sequences and patterns of functions of the backrest 12 and seat 13 in the vehicle seat are created, which limit the corresponding vehicle motion relative to the body. Information about the vehicle motion, such as steering to the right or left, for example, three-stage acceleration, and for example, three-stage gradient, is detected and processed. Based on this, patterns for controlling the backrest 12 and seat 13 are created and transferred. For example, sequences of dynamic comfort systems, such as massage and vibration 22, are performed by vibration motors. These are controlled according to the patterns to reduce the occupant's dizziness and nausea.

Claims

1. A method for mitigating injury caused by acceleration sickness of an occupant on a vehicle seat (10) in a passenger compartment (24) of a motor vehicle, the method comprising, upon detection of injury caused by acceleration sickness of the occupant, taking at least one course of action for intended sensory stimulation of the occupant, the occupant is moved to a seating position (S) in which he / she leans against the backrest (12) of the vehicle seat (10), and in the seating position (S), the head of the occupant is held in a predetermined holding position by the headrest (14) of the vehicle seat (10); - the cooling treatment for the occupant is provided partially by a cooling device (16) of the vehicle seat (10), - at least one stimulation point (P) at which at least one sensory stimulation is performed, - the method, characterized in that a stimulus element (18) of the vehicle seat (10) simulates the movement of the motor vehicle in response to disturbances caused by the detected acceleration sickness.

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the reclining seating position (S) a visual fixation point is provided to the occupant.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one message, in particular at least one calming message, is displayed to the occupant.

4. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one second cooling treatment is performed on the occupant by the cooling device (16).

5. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic and visual settings of the passenger compartment (24) of the motor vehicle are changed.

6. A vehicle seat (10) for a motor vehicle having all the features for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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