Movable Seat Pad Extension for Variable Occupant Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seats lack the ability to automatically adjust to accommodate occupants of different sizes, leading to inconsistent comfort levels.
Innovation Solution
An occupant-support base with a seat pad and pad-extension system, featuring a sensor unit and controller that adjust the movable portion of the seat pad based on pressure distribution and proximity sensors to extend or retract, ensuring optimal comfort for various occupant sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed seat pad design is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but it cannot accommodate occupants of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The seat pad is divided into a fixed portion and a movable portion that can independently adjust. The movable portion includes multiple segments that can be extended or retracted to accommodate different occupant sizes, while the fixed portion remains stationary. This segmentation allows the seat pad to adapt to various occupant dimensions without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat pad incorporates a movable portion that transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration. The movable portion can extend and retract along the longitudinal axis of the seat pad, changing its length dynamically to match different occupant sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the seat pad to maintain optimal support characteristics for various body types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanisms are added to the seat pad, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat pad system incorporates sensors that automatically detect occupant presence and characteristics. Based on sensor data, the controller autonomously adjusts the movable portion to the appropriate position without requiring manual intervention from the occupant. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for occupants to manually operate adjustment controls, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor occupant position and pressure distribution on the seat pad. This feedback information is processed by a controller that automatically adjusts the movable portion to optimize comfort and support. The closed-loop feedback system ensures the seat pad adapts to each occupant's unique characteristics without requiring manual input, combining adaptability with effortless operation.
3Ease of operation
If no adjustment mechanism is provided, then device complexity is low, but comfort for different occupants deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat pad incorporates a movable portion that can dynamically change its length to match different occupant sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the seat pad to maintain optimal comfort characteristics for various body types, from small to large occupants, by extending or retracting the movable portion as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects occupant characteristics through sensors and independently adjusts the movable portion to the appropriate position. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual adjustment while ensuring optimal comfort for each occupant, making the increased device complexity worthwhile by delivering superior comfort outcomes.
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant-support base includes a seat pad and a pad-extension system. The seat pad includes a fixed portion and a movable portion that is configured to move relative to the fixed portion. The pad-extension system is configured to move the movable portion to fit occupants of different sizes.