ECU Lower Limb Length Estimation for Vehicle Seat Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat adjustment systems fail to accurately adjust the position of the seat cushion and tilt to optimize comfort for individuals with varying physique and skeleton structures, as they rely on average lower limb lengths and do not account for individual differences in thigh and back knee angles.

Innovation Solution

An ECU device that estimates the lower limb length of a seated person by obtaining thigh and back knee angle information using pressure sensors and infrared sensors, allowing for precise adjustment of the seat's position, tilt, and height based on individual measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If average lower limb length is used for seat adjustment, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of individual lower limb length deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat adjustment systemVSAvoidlower limb length

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement of lower limb length with optical measurement using infrared sensors. The infrared sensors non-contactly measure the distance from the seat back to the seat cushion, which corresponds to the lower limb length, thereby achieving precise individual measurement without complex mechanical measurement mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary relationship between seat adjustment and lower limb length measurement. Instead of directly measuring lower limb length, the system measures the position of the seat back and seat cushion, which serve as intermediaries that reflect the lower limb length, enabling indirect but accurate measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If average lower limb length is used for seat adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to individual physique deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat adjustmentVSAvoidindividual physique

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary measurement of individual lower limb length using infrared sensors before seat adjustment. The system automatically measures the distance from the seat back to the seat cushion when the user sits down, storing this individual data for subsequent automatic adjustment, thereby eliminating the need for manual input while achieving individualized adaptation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured lower limb length data is fed back to the seat adjustment system. The control unit uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the seat position, tilt angle, and cushion height to match the user's individual physique, continuously optimizing the seating position based on measured data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If simple average-based adjustment is used, then productivity of seat adjustment is improved, but manufacturing precision of optimal seating position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat adjustment speedVSAvoidoptimal seating position

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with automated control based on infrared sensor data. The control unit automatically calculates the optimal seat position, tilt angle, and cushion height based on the measured lower limb length, eliminating manual adjustment operations while achieving precise positioning that matches individual anatomy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the seat adjustment system dynamic and adaptive rather than static. The system automatically adjusts multiple parameters (seat position, tilt angle, cushion height) based on real-time measurement data, enabling the seating position to be dynamically optimized for each user's individual physique rather than relying on fixed average values

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables accurate and personalized adjustment of the vehicle seat to ensure optimal comfort and support for individuals with different physical characteristics, enhancing driving experience and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a sitting height detection sensor which detects a sitting height of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11491895B2ECU device, vehicle seat, system for estimating lower limb length of seated person, and attachment structure for sitting height detection sensor

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 TS TECH CO LTD

AI summary

An ECU device which estimates a length of a lower limb of a seated person who is seated in a vehicle seat is shown. The ECU device includes the following. A thigh angle information obtainer obtains information regarding a thigh angle of the seated person. A back knee angle information obtainer obtains information regarding a back knee angle of the seated person. An estimator estimates the length of the lower limb of the seated person based on the information regarding the thigh angle obtained by the thigh angle information obtainer and information regarding the back knee angle obtained by the back knee angle information obtainer.