Adaptive Vehicle Seat Haptics via Dynamic Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic feedback systems in vehicles lack adaptive control mechanisms to adjust vibrations based on vehicle navigation, sensor data, and occupant presence, leading to suboptimal comfort and alertness during travel.
Innovation Solution
A system integrating a processor, controller, and actuators in vehicle seats that receive signals from navigation and sensor systems to adjust vibration frequencies and modes based on travel stages and occupant information, such as age, to enhance comfort and alertness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If haptic feedback systems use a fixed vibration mode, then the system structure is simple, but the comfort and alertness adaptation to different travel stages is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system transitions from a fixed vibration mode to a dynamic multi-mode system that adapts to different travel stages. The controller receives navigation signals and dynamically adjusts vibration parameters (frequency, intensity, pattern) based on whether the vehicle is in transit or approaching the destination, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes vibration parameters (frequency, intensity, duration) based on travel stage information from the navigation system. During transit, a first vibration pattern is applied, and when approaching the destination, parameters are modified to create a different haptic pattern, enabling adaptation without complex structural changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If haptic feedback uses a single vibration frequency, then the actuator operation is simple, but the occupant comfort and alertness requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The system varies vibration frequency and intensity parameters based on occupant detection and travel stage. When an occupant is detected and the vehicle is approaching the destination, the controller adjusts frequency and intensity parameters to create an alerting haptic pattern, whereas during transit, different parameters provide comfort. This resolves the contradiction between meeting diverse occupant needs and maintaining simple control.
3Reliability
If the haptic system operates continuously at high intensity, then the alertness level is maintained, but the occupant comfort during travel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system uses periodic action by applying different vibration intensities at different travel stages. During transit, lower intensity vibrations maintain comfort, while when approaching the destination, intensity is increased to ensure alertness. This time-based periodic variation resolves the contradiction between maintaining alertness and ensuring comfort throughout the journey.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by preparing the occupant for destination arrival through gradual haptic changes before the vehicle stops. When the navigation system indicates proximity to the destination, the controller introduces subtle haptic variations that subtly alert the occupant in advance, preventing discomfort from sudden stops while maintaining comfort during the majority of the transit.
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 system dynamically adjusts vibrations to match vehicle navigation stages and occupant needs, improving comfort during travel and ensuring alertness when approaching destinations, thereby enhancing overall passenger experience.
Implementation Method 1
Many such haptic feedback systems use a type of eccentric rotating mass actuator, including an unbalanced weight attached to a motor shaft. As the shaft rotates, the spinning of this irregular mass causes the actuator, and in turn, the attached device, to shake.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for managing seat haptics are described herein. A system for managing seat haptics may include a seat equipped with an actuator, a processor, and a controller. The processor may receive a signal from a vehicle system. The controller may control the actuator to operate according to a first mode at a first time and operate according to a second mode at a second time based on the signal received from the vehicle system, such as a navigation system or sensor system. The vehicle system may be a vehicle navigation system and the controller may control the actuator to operate according to the first mode, at a first frequency, and according to the second mode, at a second frequency. The first time may be during travel along a route and the second time may be when the vehicle is less than a threshold distance from a destination.