Electronically Controlled Seat System Tilt-and-Slide Mode
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kinematic seat systems face challenges in efficiently transitioning between passenger and non-passenger positions, particularly in vehicles, due to mechanical complexity and slowness of electromechanical systems, which can hinder easy entry and exit while not securely fastened, and lack flexibility in kinematic behaviors.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controlled seat system with a slider and recliner mechanism that operates without mechanical interlocks, using an electronic controller to pivot the seatback between passenger and non-passenger positions based on the slider's position along a track, allowing for easy entry and exit modes through tilt-and-slide operations, facilitated by mechanisms to bypass detents and utilize gas spring assist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical interlocks are used between the recliner and slider to ensure secure positioning, then reliability of passenger positioning is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interlocks between the recliner and slider with an electronic control system. The electronic controller receives signals from switches associated with each component and independently controls their positioning, eliminating the need for mechanical coupling while maintaining reliable positioning through electronic coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the control system into independent segments: the slider control system and the recliner control system operate independently with separate switches and control logic. This segmentation simplifies the mechanical structure while maintaining reliable positioning through electronic coordination rather than mechanical interlocking.
2Ease of operation
If electromechanical systems are used to control seat transitions, then ease of operation is improved, but transition speed deteriorates due to mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromechanical transition control mechanisms with a simplified electronic control system that directly actuates the slider and recliner independently. This eliminates mechanical transmission delays and complexity while maintaining ease of operation through electronic switches and control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic, independent control of the slider and recliner components through electronic switching. The system can transition between different seat positions (passenger, non-passenger, easy entry/exit modes) by electronically actuating each component as needed, improving transition speed by eliminating mechanical coupling delays.
3Reliability
If mechanical interlocks are used between recliner and slider, then reliability of positioning is improved, but ease of manufacture and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical interlocks between the recliner and slider, replacing them with independent electronic control systems. Each component has its own switch and control logic, simplifying assembly and manufacturing while maintaining positioning reliability through electronic coordination rather than mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control system into independent modules: slider control with its own switch, recliner control with its own switch, and an electronic controller that coordinates them. This modular segmentation simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining reliable positioning through electronic integration.
4Reliability
If fixed mechanical linkages are used to control seatback position, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to different modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed mechanical linkages with a dynamic electronic control system that can adapt to different operating modes. The electronic controller receives input from switches and independently controls the recliner and slider to achieve various seat positions (passenger mode, non-passenger mode, easy entry/exit mode), providing versatility while maintaining reliable positioning through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control system where the electronic controller and switches can manage multiple functions and modes of operation. The same electronic components support different kinematic behaviors (passenger positioning, easy entry/exit, various seat angles) by electronically coordinating the recliner and slider, eliminating the need for mode-specific mechanical linkages.
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 rapid and flexible kinematic behaviors, simplifying the construction and maintenance of seat systems by allowing electronic control of seatback positions without mechanical interlocks, ensuring secure passenger positioning and easy entry/exit modes.
Implementation Method 1
The seat system further includes a gas spring assist coupled to the slider to assist the slider in traveling from the detent region to the tilt-and-slide region.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat system includes: a base; a seatback; at least one recliner connecting the base and the seatback to each other for pivoting of the seatback relative to the base; a slider coupled to the base and configured for sliding engagement with a track having a detent region and a tilt-and slide region; and an electronic controller, wherein without mechanical interlock between the recliner and the slider, the electronic controller causes the recliner to place the seatback in a non-passenger position when the slider is within the tilt-and-slide region, and causes the recliner to place the seatback in a passenger position when the slider is within the detent region.