Heated Seat Occupancy Detection Using Surface Temperature Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heater-equipped seats require multiple pressure-sensing cells to determine seat occupancy, increasing component count, weight, and cost, while also leading to unnecessary power consumption and reduced fuel efficiency when a passenger is not present.
Innovation Solution
A heater-equipped seat with a seat surface temperature detector positioned below the seat surface cover to detect temperature changes, allowing for occupancy determination without pressure sensors, and a controller that stops or reduces power to the heating element when the seat is unoccupied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pressure-sensing cells are used to detect seat occupancy, then the accuracy of occupancy detection is improved, but the number of components and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the occupancy detection function from the complex array of pressure-sensing cells and implements it through a single temperature detector that measures temperature changes on the seat surface. This simplifies the device structure while maintaining detection capability, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure-sensing cell array with a thermal detection system. Instead of using multiple mechanical pressure sensors to detect occupancy, a single temperature detector measures temperature changes caused by a passenger's presence, substituting a mechanical system with a thermal field-based system that achieves the same function with fewer components.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pressure-sensing cells are used to detect seat occupancy, then the occupancy detection capability is improved, but the weight of the seat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from the heavy array of pressure-sensing cells and implements it through a lightweight temperature detector. This reduces the weight of the seat while preserving the occupancy detection capability, directly addressing the contradiction between measurement precision and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the heavy mechanical pressure-sensing cell array with a lightweight thermal detection system. The temperature detector measures temperature changes on the seat surface to determine occupancy, replacing a weight-intensive mechanical system with a lightweight thermal field-based system.
3Reliability
If the heater operates without occupancy detection, then the heating function is always available, but power consumption increases and fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the heater operation dynamic by linking it to real-time occupancy detection through temperature monitoring. The heater automatically activates when a passenger is detected and deactivates when the seat is empty, adjusting its operation based on actual needs rather than running continuously, thus reducing energy loss while maintaining heating availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the temperature detector continuously monitors the seat surface temperature and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback and the detected temperature change pattern, the system intelligently controls heater operation, ensuring heating function availability while minimizing unnecessary power consumption and energy loss.
4Device complexity
If a simple temperature detector is used instead of pressure-sensing cells, then the number of components is reduced, but the occupancy detection accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from pressure to temperature. Instead of using multiple pressure-sensing cells, a single temperature detector measures temperature changes on the seat surface. The system analyzes the magnitude and pattern of temperature changes to accurately determine occupancy, achieving component reduction while maintaining detection accuracy through parameter transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the pressure-based mechanical detection system with a thermal field-based detection system. A single temperature detector replaces multiple pressure-sensing cells, using thermal changes rather than mechanical pressure to detect occupancy, thereby reducing component count while preserving detection accuracy.
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 configuration enables energy savings and improved fuel efficiency by accurately determining seat occupancy through temperature changes, reducing unwanted power consumption and enhancing comfort by maintaining appropriate warmth when a passenger returns.
Implementation Method 1
a seat surface temperature detector that is situated below a seat surface cover of a seat and that detects a temperature of a seat surface
Implementation Method 2
a heating element arranged on a seat
Data Source
AI summary
A more comfortable seat is provided by detecting whether or not a person is in a seat. A seat has a heating element 1, a seat surface temperature detector 5 that is situated below a seat surface cover and that detects the temperature of the seat surface, and a seating determination unit 6 for determining whether or not a seat is occupied. A determination is made as to whether or not a seat is occupied according to an amount of temperature change detected by the seat surface temperature detector 5 for a predetermined period of time, whereby a determination can be readily made as to whether or not a person is seated. When no one is seated, application of power to the heating element 1 is stopped, and the like, which in turn contributes to energy saving and enhancement of fuel efficiency.