Morphing Vehicle Seat Actuators for Dynamic Lateral Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep seats and stiff bolsters, while effective in reducing lateral acceleration effects, can cause discomfort during normal driving conditions due to increased lateral support, necessitating a solution for selective lateral support in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating shape memory alloy actuators within vehicle seats that morph into an activated configuration in response to lateral acceleration, providing dynamic support only when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If deep seats and stiff bolsters are used, then lateral support is improved, but occupant comfort deteriorates during normal driving
Solution Approach 1:
The seat bolster is divided into multiple independent inflatable chambers that can dynamically adjust their inflation state. During normal driving, chambers remain deflated providing comfort; during high lateral acceleration, chambers inflate to provide lateral support. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between constant lateral support and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the seat bolster changes from deflated (soft, comfortable) to inflated (firm, supportive) based on driving conditions. By controlling the inflation parameter of the chambers, the system provides lateral support only when needed, eliminating the constant discomfort of stiff bolsters while maintaining comfort during normal operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If constant lateral support is provided, then occupant stability is improved, but comfort deteriorates during normal driving
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral support is provided periodically rather than continuously. The system monitors lateral acceleration and activates the inflatable chambers only during high lateral acceleration events (turns, lane changes). This periodic activation maintains occupant stability when needed while ensuring comfort during normal, stable driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own lateral acceleration data to automatically control the inflation state of the chambers. The control system activates support only when lateral acceleration exceeds a threshold, providing self-regulating stability that adapts to actual driving conditions without constant occupant input.
3Force
If stiff bolsters are used, then lateral acceleration effects are reduced, but seat comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat bolster transitions from a static stiff structure to a dynamic inflatable structure. During normal driving, the deflated chambers provide a soft, comfortable surface. During high lateral acceleration, the inflated chambers create a firm structure that resists lateral acceleration effects, thus resolving the contradiction between force resistance and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the seat bolster (firmness, volume, pressure) are changed based on driving conditions. By controlling the inflation pressure and volume of the chambers, the system provides lateral acceleration resistance only when necessary, maintaining comfort during normal operation while providing support during dynamic driving events.
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
The actuators enhance occupant comfort by providing selective lateral support during high lateral acceleration conditions without the constant discomfort of deep seats and stiff bolsters during normal driving.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator can be configured such that, when an activation input is provided to the first and second shape memory material connecting members, the first and second shape memory material connecting members contract
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat can be configured to selectively provide support to a vehicle occupant in conditions when lateral acceleration is experienced. An actuator can be located within the vehicle seat. When activated, the actuator cause a portion of the seat to morph into an activated configuration. The actuator can be activated based on vehicle speed, steering angle, and/or lateral acceleration. The actuator can include a main body member, a first end member pivotably connected to a first end region of the main body member, and a second end member pivotably connected to a second end region of the main body member. The actuator can include shape memory material connecting members. The actuator can be configured such that, in response to an activation input, the shape memory material connecting members contract, causing the first and second end members pivot, which causes the actuator to morph into an activated configuration.