Oscillating Mechanism with Angle Sensor for Vehicle Seat Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring devices for vehicle seat deflection are inaccurate due to the elasticity of the belt material and indirect measurement methods, leading to unreliable results.

Innovation Solution

A direct measurement system using a scissor-type frame with a pivotally attached first scissor part and an angle sensor unit connected to a lever device, which moves on a curved path to detect changes in the vehicle seat's height, allowing for precise measurement of deflection, speed, and acceleration, and is integrated with a spring and damper system for real-time adjustment of seat comfort and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a belt retractor mechanism is used for measuring seat deflection, then the measurement system is simple to implement, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to belt elasticity and indirect measurement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of measurement systemVSAvoidaccuracy of deflection measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical belt retractor measurement system with an optical angle sensor system. The angle sensor unit detects the rotation angle of the scissor frame directly, converting mechanical movement into optical/electrical signals for precise measurement, thereby eliminating the inaccuracies caused by belt elasticity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a scissor frame as an intermediary mechanical structure between the seat and the angle sensor. This scissor frame translates the vertical deflection movement into rotational movement that the angle sensor can accurately measure, providing a reliable mechanical-to-optical conversion mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If an angle sensor unit is integrated within the fluid spring, then the measurement precision is improved through direct measurement, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of deflection measurementVSAvoidcomplexity of measuring device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the angle sensor unit directly into the fluid spring assembly, utilizing the existing structural space within the fluid spring. This integration approach allows the measurement function to be combined with the suspension function, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced sensing technology used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid spring structure serves dual functions: providing suspension support and housing the angle sensor unit for measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement device components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving precise measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If the angle sensor unit is arranged within the fluid spring, then the installation space is reduced and protection is improved, but the ease of operation for maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation space requirementVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The angle sensor unit is nested within the fluid spring assembly, utilizing the internal space of the existing suspension component. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall installation volume while keeping the sensor protected within the fluid spring's structural envelope.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 precise and direct measurement of vehicle seat deflection, enabling real-time adjustment of spring hardness and damping to enhance driving comfort and safety by preventing abrupt movements.

Implementation Method 1

the angle sensor unit is actuated by the lever device... a height adjustment of the vehicle seat can be measured by a change in the angle of rotation of the angle sensor unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation angle detection:

Implementation Method 2

the first scissor part is pivotally attached to a first end portion by means of a pivot axis on the vehicle seat base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting motion: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

The vehicle seat preferably comprises a spring and/or a damper device arranged between the upper part of the vehicle seat and the lower part of the vehicle seat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring elasticity: Spring

Implementation Method 4

The vehicle seat preferably comprises a spring and/or a damper device arranged between the upper part of the vehicle seat and the lower part of the vehicle seat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3085579B1Oscillating mechanism with an angle sensor
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 GRAMMER AG
  • EP3085579B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3085579B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3085579B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Measuring device for a vehicle seat with a vehicle seat base and a vehicle seat top movable relative to the vehicle seat base, wherein a scissor frame with at least one first scissor part and at least one second scissor part is arranged between the vehicle seat top and the vehicle seat base, wherein the first and the second scissor part are connected to each other by means of a pivot axis and the first scissor part is pivotably attached to the vehicle seat base with a first end region by means of a pivot axis, wherein at least one angle sensor unit is attached to the first scissor part in a first section of the first scissor part and the angle sensor unit () is movably connected to the vehicle seat base () by means of a movable lever device () and wherein the angle sensor unit () can be actuated by means of the lever device () when the height of the vehicle seat top () is adjusted.