Inductive Seat Cover Powering for Reconfigurable Vehicle Seating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat covers lack efficient power provision, such as heating, and do not offer flexible configurations or integrated accessories like charging and lighting.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seating system with an inductive powered seat cover featuring an inductive coil system for power transfer, a shape memory alloy for reconfiguration, and integrated heating, lighting, and charging capabilities, connected via magnets or hook-and-loop fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a removable seat cover is added to provide additional comfort and protection, then the versatility and comfort of the seating system is improved, but the complexity of integrating power supply and heating features increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility of seating systemVSAvoidcomplexity of power supply integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the power supply functionality into separate inductive coils (transmitter in seat component, receiver in seat cover) that can independently couple when the cover is attached, allowing the seat cover to be removed without affecting the underlying seat's power capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inductive power transfer mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides power to heating elements in the seat cover, can power additional devices, and enables reconfiguration of the seat cover, all through a single wireless power interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If inductive power transfer is implemented to power heating elements, then the efficiency and convenience of heating is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional coils and circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of inductive power system

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional wired electrical connections with inductive power transfer using electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical electrical contacts and reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining heating functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The inductive power system automatically activates when the seat cover is properly positioned on the seat component, with the coils self-aligning and coupling without manual intervention or complex switching mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If shape memory alloy is integrated to enable reconfiguration of the seat cover, then the adaptability and comfort are improved, but the weight and cost of the seat cover increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfigurability of seat coverVSAvoidweight of seat cover

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shape memory alloy changes its physical properties (shape, rigidity) in response to temperature changes induced by the heating elements, allowing the seat cover to reconfigure between different states without requiring motors or mechanical actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Provides efficient power to heating and accessories, allows flexible cover reconfiguration, and enhances passenger comfort with integrated features like heating, lighting, and device charging.

Implementation Method 1

an inductive receiver coil provided on the seat cover and configured to inductively couple to the inductive transmitter coil when the seat cover is connected to the seat component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electric powered heater provided on the seat cover and configured to receive electrical power from the inductive receiver coil to heat the seat cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

the connector is a removable connector that comprises a first magnet located on the seat cover and configured to magnetically attract to a second magnet on the seat component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 4

a shape memory alloy provided on the seat cover and configured to reconfigure the seat cover between a first configuration and a second configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS12606066B2Vehicle seating system having inductive powered cover

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A seating system for a vehicle includes a seat component, a seat cover configured to cover at least a portion of the seat component, a connector for connecting the seat cover to the seat component, and an inductive transmitter coil provided on the seat component. The seating system for a vehicle also includes an inductive receiver coil provided on the seat cover and configured to inductively couple to the inductive transmitter coil when the seat cover is connected to the seat component, an electric powered heater provided on the seat cover and configured to receive electrical power from the inductive receiver coil to heat the seat cover, and a shape memory alloy provided on the seat cover and configured to reconfigure the seat cover between a first configuration and a second configuration.