Automatic Vehicle Seat Adjustment Using Operator Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural vehicle seating systems require manual adjustment, which can be inefficient and uncomfortable for operators, as they do not account for individual physical characteristics or operational modes, leading to suboptimal seating configurations.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses sensors to detect an operator's physical characteristics and adjust the seat configuration automatically, including height, position, recline, and steering column angle, based on determined anthropometric parameters and operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual seat adjustment is used, then the system complexity is low, but the operator comfort and seating efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects operator physical characteristics and adjusts seat parameters without manual intervention. The sensor-based detection and automated control system enables the seating system to serve itself, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while improving comfort and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of operator anthropometric parameters before the operator begins work. By pre-determining the optimal seating configuration based on detected physical characteristics, the system prepares the seat in advance, ensuring immediate comfort without requiring manual adjustment during operation.
2Productivity
If automated seat adjustment is implemented, then operator comfort improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated system using sensors and electronic controllers. The sensor-based detection and electronic control mechanisms substitute for manual mechanical operations, improving seating efficiency while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts multiple seat parameters (height, position, recline angle, steering column angle) based on detected operator characteristics. By dynamically changing these parameters according to operator needs, the system improves productivity and comfort while using electronic control to manage the complexity of multiple adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect operator characteristics, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection task into multiple segments by using different sensors for different physical characteristics. Image sensors detect height and body proportions, while weight sensors measure mass. This segmentation of detection functions improves measurement precision while organizing complexity into manageable modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multi-functional sensors that can detect multiple operator characteristics. The image sensor system, for example, can determine height, body proportions, and posture simultaneously. This multi-functionality improves measurement precision across multiple parameters while reducing the overall number of separate sensor systems needed.
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 system provides a comfortable and efficient seating arrangement for operators by automatically adjusting the seat to match their physical characteristics and operational needs, enhancing operator comfort and reducing fatigue during long operations.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may be an image sensor. The image sensor may be at least one of a camera, a lidar, or a radar.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may be a weight sensor configured to detect a weight of the operator.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for establishing a seat parameter may include determining one or more physical characteristics of an operator using one or more sensors. The one or more sensors sense an operator, and, using the output of the one or more sensors, the one or more physical characteristics of the operator are determined. One or more seat parameters are determined using the physical characteristics of the operator, and a seat of a vehicle or machine is automatically configured based on the determined seat parameters.