Adaptive Vehicle Seat Damping for Road-Induced Oscillation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats fail to effectively reduce oscillations caused by uneven road surfaces, leading to discomfort for occupants, and require manual adjustments which are inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with an adaptive vibration unit comprising a spring system and a damping system, where a single motion sensor detects vertical movements and controls the damper system to adapt damping in real-time, and an automatic spring system adjusts preload based on the occupant's weight, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used for damper preload and spring characteristic, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent manual interventions required
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically adjusts the damper preload and spring characteristic based on sensor data without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by processing sensor signals and actuating the damper and spring adjustment mechanisms autonomously, eliminating the need for frequent manual adjustments while maintaining optimal performance
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms are replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators. The control device substitutes human operation with electronic control, using sensor data to automatically regulate damper and spring parameters, thereby improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through integration
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed damper characteristics are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as the system cannot respond to changing road conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The damper characteristics are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The control device continuously monitors sensor data and automatically modifies damper preload and spring characteristics in real-time to adapt to changing road conditions and vehicle loads, enabling the system to respond dynamically to environmental variations
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control loop is implemented where sensors detect vehicle motion and road conditions, the control device processes this information, and automatically adjusts damper and spring parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables adaptability by continuously regulating system characteristics based on actual operating conditions
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect vehicle acceleration and seat movement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously. The sensor detects both vehicle acceleration and seat structure movement, eliminating the need for separate sensors while maintaining measurement precision. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity by integrating multiple sensing capabilities into one component
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing functions are merged into a single sensor unit. The sensor integrates acceleration detection and relative movement measurement capabilities, allowing the control device to receive comprehensive data from one source rather than multiple separate sensors, thereby reducing system complexity while preserving measurement accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adaptive system significantly improves driving comfort by efficiently reducing seat oscillations and automatically adjusting to the occupant's weight, ensuring optimal positioning and minimal discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
a spring system and an adjustable damper system, which are integrated into the movement kinematics of the vehicle seat
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable damper system, which are integrated into the movement kinematics of the vehicle seat
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) with a vibration unit (100) arranged between a body (2) and a seat part (1.1) of the vehicle seat (1), comprising a spring system (10) and a damping system (30) integrated into a motion kinematics (20). The damping system (30) is designed as an adaptive damping system, which, in addition to the spring system (10), is integrated into the motion kinematics (20) of the vibration unit (100). The adaptive damping system (30) also comprises at least one motion sensor (S1, S2) and at least one control unit (50) that detects a vertical movement of the seat part (1.1) arranged on the motion kinematics (20) in order to dampen the vibration unit (100) and thus the seat part (1.1) by adaptively controlling the damping system, depending on a detected sensor signal from the at least one motion sensor (S1, S2).