Movable Backrest Rib Support for Varying Occupant Physiques

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicular seats struggle to easily achieve a favorable body-supported state for occupants with varying physiques, as the position of ribs can differ significantly between individuals, making it complicated for occupants to adjust rib support members correctly.

Innovation Solution

A seat with a support member in the backrest that is movable in the vertical direction, driven by a support-member driving unit, and controlled by a controller that estimates the position of a specific body region, such as the ninth rib, using contact-pressure measurements and image processing, to automatically adjust the support member for optimal support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed rib support member is provided in the backrest, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the seat cannot adapt to occupants with varying physiques and rib positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying occupant physiquesVSAvoidcomplexity of support member adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rib support member is made movable in the vertical direction through a driving unit, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position according to the occupant's rib location rather than being fixed. This enables the seat to adapt to different occupant physiques while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to automatically detect the occupant's rib position and the controller automatically controls the support member's position without requiring manual adjustment by the occupant. This self-service approach eliminates complex manual adjustment mechanisms while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment mechanisms are provided for rib support, then adaptability to different occupants is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex adjustment procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different rib positionsVSAvoidease of rib support adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the occupant's rib position using sensors and autonomously adjusts the support member position without requiring any manual operation from the occupant. This eliminates complex adjustment procedures entirely while maintaining full adaptability to different rib positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms are replaced with an automated system using sensors to detect rib position and a driving unit to position the support member. This substitution eliminates the need for occupant interaction with adjustment mechanisms while achieving the same adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the support member is made movable to accommodate different occupants, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional driving mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of support member positionVSAvoidcomplexity of driving unit and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms are replaced with a streamlined system using sensors for detection and an electric driving unit for actuation. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining adjustability functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The driving unit serves multiple functions: it positions the support member vertically, maintains it at the detected rib position, and can be controlled automatically or manually. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12202391B2Seat with moveable support member

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 SUBARU CORP

AI summary

A seat having a seat surface and a backrest includes a support member, a support-member driving unit, a specific-region position estimator, and a controller. The support member is provided in the backrest. The support member is configured to support a predetermined region of a body of a sitter to be seated on the seat and is movable in a vertical direction. The support-member driving unit is configured to drive the support member in the vertical direction relative to the backrest. The specific-region position estimator is configured to estimate a position of a specific region of the sitter that is defined in advance. The controller is configured to control the support-member driving unit such that the support member supports the specific region in accordance with the position of the specific region estimated by the specific-region position estimator.