Ergonomic Vehicle Seat with Dynamic Configuration Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Long-duration vehicle driving often leads to driver discomfort and pain due to monotonous, one-sided sitting positions that overloading body muscles, particularly the spine, as existing vehicle seats do not effectively adjust to changing driver posture during journeys.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat with changeable seat configuration positions, including shoulder support, lumbar support, seat height, longitudinal position, and backrest tilt, controlled by a device that allows simultaneous and independent adjustment of at least two positions to alternate between upright and inclined postures, promoting spinal relief and reducing muscle strain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the seat configuration remains fixed for long journeys, then the seat setting is stable and simple to operate, but the driver experiences pain and discomfort due to monotonous sitting posture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat setting simplicityVSAvoiddriver pain and discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static seat configuration into a dynamic system that automatically adjusts between different seating positions. The control device enables the seat to switch between first and second configurations, allowing the seat parameters to change over time rather than remaining fixed, thereby preventing driver discomfort during long journeys

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through automatic periodic adjustment of seat parameters. The control device is configured to alternately adjust the seat configuration at predetermined time intervals, creating a rhythmic pattern of position changes that maintains driver comfort without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple seat parameters are adjusted simultaneously, then the seat adapts better to changing driver posture, but the control system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat adaptation to driver postureVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining multiple seat parameter adjustments into a single integrated control operation. The control device simultaneously adjusts at least two seat parameters (such as seat pan angle, backrest angle, and lumbar support) as a unified configuration change, rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each parameter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality through a multi-functional control device that manages various seat adjustment functions. The single control device can alternately adjust multiple different seat parameters independently, making it a universal controller that performs multiple adjustment tasks rather than requiring dedicated controls for each function

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

Data Source

PatentEP3059116B1Ergonomic seat
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 GRAMMER AG
  • EP3059116B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3059116B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3059116B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Vehicle seat (1) with a seat section (2) and a backrest (3) and with variable seat configuration positions, comprising a first position of a shoulder support, a second position of a lumbar support, a third seat height position, a fourth longitudinal position of the vehicle seat, a fifth seat tilt position and a sixth backrest tilt position, by means of which a first and a different second seat configuration can be defined, wherein the seat configurations differ in at least two different positions and the vehicle seat has a control device by means of which the first and the second seat configuration of the vehicle seat can be alternately adjusted by means of a simultaneous and independent change of at least two different positions.