Morphing Vehicle Seat with Shape-Memory Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seats lack the ability to dynamically adjust to maintain healthy posture and provide adequate support during long periods of use, especially during acceleration or turns, due to fixed seat bolster shapes that do not adapt to changing occupant needs.
Innovation Solution
The integration of shape-memory material (SMM) actuators within the vehicle seat, which include hinge assemblies and an outer skin, allows for morphing of the seat surface in response to activation inputs, adjusting dimensions to provide enhanced support and comfort by changing shape in response to stimuli such as lateral acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed shape seat bolsters are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing occupant needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static seat bolster into a dynamic structure that can change its shape and provide different levels of support. The actuator system enables the seat bolster to transition between multiple configurations, adapting to varying occupant needs during different driving conditions such as acceleration, turning, or normal cruising.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical state and configuration of the seat bolster through actuator activation. The system changes parameters such as bolster height, curvature, and lateral support force to optimize comfort and support for different driving scenarios, moving from a fixed parameter design to a variable parameter design.
2Force
If conventional fixed seat bolsters are used, then device complexity is minimized, but ability to provide lateral support during acceleration or turns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with shape-memory material actuators. These SMM actuators use thermal or electrical stimulation to change their shape and generate force, eliminating the need for complex motors, gears, and linkages while still providing the necessary lateral support force during acceleration and turning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials, specifically shape-memory materials, which combine properties of elasticity, memory, and responsiveness to external stimuli. These composite material actuators provide the necessary force generation capability while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation compared to traditional mechanical actuation systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shape-memory material actuators are integrated, then adaptability and support capability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by integrating the SMM actuators within the existing seat bolster structure. The actuators are embedded or nested within the foam or structural elements of the seat, allowing the active components to be incorporated without requiring complete redesign of the seat assembly and minimizing additional manufacturing steps.
4Reliability
If motors are used for seat adjustment, then actuation capability is achieved, but risk of mechanical failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing motor-driven mechanical systems with shape-memory material actuators. The SMM actuators respond directly to thermal or electrical stimuli through material phase changes, eliminating mechanical components such as motors, gearboxes, and linkages that are prone to wear, friction, and mechanical failure, thereby significantly improving system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the shape-memory materials' inherent ability to generate actuation force autonomously in response to external stimuli. The SMM actuators self-regulate their shape and force output based on the applied stimulus, eliminating the need for complex control systems and reducing points of failure associated with electronic motors and their control circuits.
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 improves seating comfort and occupant safety by automatically adjusting the seat to a high-support state during needed conditions, reducing the risk of displacement and providing temporary increased lateral support without the need for motors, thus minimizing mechanical failure risks.
Implementation Method 1
one or more shape-memory material (SMM) members operatively connected to the first and second hinge assemblies. The SMM member can be located substantially entirely within the cavity. The actuator can further include a first dimension and a second dimension... when an activation input is provided to the SMM members, the SMM members can change from a first configuration to a second configuration and cause the actuator to morph into an activated configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Actuators can be used in controlling a seat surface of a vehicle seat. The actuators can have an outer skin in connection with a hinge assemblies. The actuators can include a shape-memory material (SMM) member operatively connected to the hinge assemblies. The SMM member can be a shape-memory alloy (SMA) wire. The SMM member can change from a first configuration to the second configuration in response to an activation input, such as heat. The input can be delivered to the SMM member upon detecting an activation condition, such as detection of lateral acceleration. The actuators are operatively positioned relative to a seat surface such that, when the SMM member changes configuration, actuator causes the seat surface to morph.