Hall Effect Sensor for Automotive Seat Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat position sensing systems in motor vehicles face challenges with large and heavy sensors for absolute position tracking, and asynchronous movement between the seat and motor due to elastic coupling, requiring frequent recalibration to maintain accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a motor, a Hall Effect sensor for detecting rotation, and a binary sensor for calibrating the seat position at a reference point, which eliminates errors by recalibrating the absolute seat position each time the seat reaches the known reference position, using a drivetrain sensor to determine the seat's position and a binary sensor to correct for any inaccuracies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuously variable resistor and/or magnets are used to determine seat position, then absolute seat position tracking is achieved, but the sensor becomes large and heavy making it difficult to integrate into the seat frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical sensor system (continuously variable resistor and magnets) with an electromagnetic sensing system using a Hall-effect sensor. This substitution allows absolute seat position tracking to be achieved with a much smaller and lighter sensor that can be easily integrated into the seat frame or track.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic coupling is used in the seat drivetrain, then movement flexibility is improved, but asynchronous movement between seat and motor occurs requiring frequent recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the Hall-effect sensor continuously monitors the actual seat position and provides this information to the controller. The controller compares the actual position with the expected position and adjusts the motor control accordingly, eliminating position errors caused by elastic coupling and asynchronous movement without requiring frequent recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting position discrepancies caused by elastic coupling and compensating for them in real-time. The continuous feedback loop allows the system to maintain accurate position tracking autonomously without external intervention or manual recalibration.
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
This solution provides accurate and continuous tracking of the seat's absolute position, minimizing errors without the need for frequent recalibration, enhancing occupant safety systems by providing precise data for restraint deployment decisions during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a Hall Effect sensor for detecting rotation
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for moving an automotive vehicle seat along a track includes a motor, a first sensor sensing rotation of the motor, and a second sensor detecting presence of the seat at a reference position along the track. A controller determines a seat position based upon signals from the first sensor and calibrates the determined seat position based upon a signal from the second sensor indicating that the seat is at the reference position. This allows any error that as accumulated in the seat position as determined by the first sensor to be eliminated each time the seat reaches the known reference position.