Dynamic Seat Reorientation for Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle safety systems are designed for static, forward-facing occupants and have not evolved significantly, lacking adaptability to dynamic driving conditions and passenger comfort, especially in autonomous vehicles where seating arrangements can impact safety and comfort during collisions and turns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a vehicular control mechanism that includes processors and sensors to dynamically reorient seats and configure occupant-restraint systems based on predicted collisions and driving events, using actuators to rotate and tilt seats to optimize safety and comfort by aligning passengers with impact forces and reducing lateral acceleration effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional static safety systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to dynamic driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming static seats into dynamically adjustable seating positions. The system uses actuators to rotate and tilt seats in real-time based on detected collision parameters, enabling the safety system to adapt to different collision scenarios (frontal, side, rear collisions) and dynamic driving conditions rather than relying on fixed seat configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting collision events before they occur and pre-positioning seats and restraint systems accordingly. The processor analyzes sensor data to anticipate collision direction and magnitude, then proactively adjusts seating positions and restraint configurations to optimize safety before the actual collision impact occurs.
2Reliability
If dynamic seat reorientation is implemented, then passenger safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional integrated safety system that combines seat reorientation, restraint system configuration, and collision detection/prediction capabilities into a single coordinated mechanism. The same actuator system and control processor manage multiple safety functions (seat rotation, seat tilting, restraint activation) rather than requiring separate independent systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service through autonomous operation where the processor automatically detects collision parameters, determines optimal seating positions, and actuates seat adjustments without requiring manual intervention. The safety system monitors itself via sensors and independently executes corrective actions, reducing the need for complex external control interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If seats are reoriented during collisions, then comfort during turns is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring vehicle dynamics through sensors and using this information to automatically adjust seat positions. The system creates a closed-loop control where sensor data about collision direction, acceleration, and vehicle orientation feeds back to the processor, which then makes real-time adjustments to seating positions and restraint systems to maintain passenger comfort and safety.
Data Source
AI summary
According to various aspects, a controller includes one or more processors configured to: determine when a predicted event occurs, at which a velocity of a vehicle is changed; and provide an instruction for a reorientation of one or more seats of the vehicle based on when the predicted event occurs.