Adaptive Vehicle Seat Massage Control via Audio and Bus Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current massage control systems in vehicle seats provide monotonous massage sequences and fail to adapt intensity to the driver's mental state or situational demands, potentially leading to distraction or discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A method to control massage units in vehicle seats based on audio entertainment signals and current vehicle operating information, adjusting massage intensity to match the driver's mental state and situational demands, such as during stressful or monotonous conditions, using a control device that processes vehicle data via a vehicle bus and adjusts vibration frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If massage intensity is increased to improve driver alertness, then driver attention is enhanced, but driver distraction increases in mentally demanding situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver attentionVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The massage intensity is made dynamic and adaptive rather than fixed. The control device continuously monitors vehicle operating information and audio entertainment signals to automatically adjust massage intensity in real-time, allowing the system to respond to changing driver states and situational demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by monitoring vehicle operating information (such as driving behavior, vehicle state) and audio entertainment signals, then using this feedback to automatically adjust massage intensity. This closed-loop control ensures the massage remains appropriate to the current situation without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 3:

The system changes the parameter of massage intensity based on multiple inputs including vehicle operating information and audio entertainment signals. By varying this parameter dynamically, the system optimizes driver alertness while avoiding excessive stimulation that could cause distraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If fixed massage programs are used to simplify control, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidsituation adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The massage system serves itself by automatically determining appropriate massage programs and intensity levels based on vehicle operating information and audio entertainment signals. The control device autonomously selects and adjusts massage parameters without requiring driver intervention, combining simplicity with high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs multiple functions: it monitors vehicle operating information, processes audio entertainment signals, determines driver state, selects appropriate massage programs, and adjusts intensity levels. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to provide both simple operation and situation-specific adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Reduces the disruptive potential of massage, enhances driver attention and comfort by adapting massage intensity to the driver's needs, ensuring optimal alertness and minimizing distractions during stressful or monotonous situations.

Implementation Method 1

A method for controlling massage units of a massage device arranged in a seat in a vehicle for massaging an occupant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3509906B1Method for controlling massage units of a massage apparatus arranged in a seat, seat arrangement for a vehicle or in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3509906B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3509906B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3509906B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for controlling massage units (2-1 to 2-n) of a massage apparatus arranged in a seat (3) in a vehicle (10) for massaging an occupant, having the following method steps of: controlling (S2) massage units (2-1 to 2-n) integrated in the seat (3) on the basis of an audio entertainment signal (4); and changing (S4) an intensity of the massage provided by the massage units (2-1 to 2-n) on the basis of the entertainment signal (4) in a manner adapted to current operating information (8) relating to the vehicle (10). A seat arrangement for a vehicle or in a vehicle (10) for carrying out such a method is also involved.