Kinetic Seat Backs Synchronizing Rotation to Reduce Driver Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional kinetic seat assemblies cause discomfort during vehicle turns due to opposing rotations of the torso and pelvis, leading to driver fatigue and aches, as they fail to maintain a centered position of the head and knees.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic seat assembly with a primary and secondary seat back frame, coupled by a seat back tilt mechanism and an upper pivot mechanism, allowing the secondary frames to rotate in phase with each other, thus synchronizing the movement of the seat cushion and back frame with the turning force, maintaining the occupant's center of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seat back and seat cushion pivot in opposite directions to mimic walking movement, then the seat assembly provides kinetic movement, but this causes discomfort in some drivers due to opposing rotation of torso and pelvis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional kinetic seat design by making the seat back and seat cushion pivot in the same direction rather than opposite directions. This is achieved through coupling the secondary seat back frame to the primary seat back frame via a seat back tilt mechanism, and coupling the secondary seat cushion frame to the primary seat cushion frame via a seat cushion tilt mechanism, both configured to move in the same directional sense. This inversion resolves the discomfort issue while preserving kinetic movement benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the seat back and seat cushion to pivot together in the same direction, creating a coordinated movement system. The upper pivot mechanism and lower pivot mechanism enable the entire seat assembly to rotate dynamically in response to driving conditions, maintaining driver comfort through synchronized movement rather than opposing movements.
2Reliability
If the driver compensates for rotation during turning, then the vehicle can be controlled, but repeated rotation of torso, pelvis, knees, and head causes fatigue and aches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the seat assembly automatically rotate in the same direction as the vehicle turn before the driver needs to compensate. The kinetic seat mechanism detects turning forces and initiates coordinated rotation of the seat back and seat cushion, thereby preemptively maintaining driver alignment and reducing the need for active compensation, thus extending comfortable driving time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the kinetic seat assembly as an intermediary between the vehicle's turning motion and the driver's body. The seat acts as a mediator that absorbs and translates turning forces into coordinated rotation of the seat back and cushion, preventing these forces from directly causing driver fatigue and aches while maintaining vehicle control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A kinetic seat back assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat back assembly includes a primary seat back frame, a secondary seat back frame, a seat back tilt mechanism coupling the secondary seat back frame to the primary seat back frame such that the secondary seat back frame is movable with respect to the primary seat back frame, and an upper pivot mechanism that pivotally couples an upper portion of the primary seat back frame to an upper portion of the secondary seat back frame.