Pendulum Tilt Compensation Mechanism for Vehicle Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle tilt compensation systems require multiple sensors and actuators to automatically restore a vehicle seat to its initial position, which can be complex and costly, and do not function effectively without a restoring force for assemblies with a center of gravity higher than their axis of rotation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first assembly, a second assembly pivotally connected to the first, and a pendulum arrangement with a second axis above the first, allowing deflection detection and automatic return to the initial position through a mechanical actuator system without sensors or control, utilizing a pendulum element with a damping pivot bearing and contact elements to close a circuit for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple sensors and actuators are arranged to detect deflection and activate the actuator system, then automatic tilt compensation can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pendulum arrangement automatically detects deflection through its own gravitational response without requiring external sensors. The system uses its weight and position relative to contact elements to trigger the actuator, making the detection mechanism self-contained and eliminating the need for separate sensing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The pendulum arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanical element that translates vehicle deflection into a detectable positional change. By positioning the pendulum's center of gravity below its pivot axis, it creates a stable equilibrium position that naturally responds to tilts through gravitational torque, converting complex vehicle motion into simple contact element engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If assemblies with center of gravity higher than rotation axis are used, then structural flexibility is achieved, but stability deteriorates due to lack of restoring force
Solution Approach 1:
The pendulum arrangement functions as a counterweight system where the mass of the pendulum, positioned with its center of gravity below the pivot axis, creates a stabilizing effect. The gravitational force acting on the pendulum's mass generates a restoring torque that opposes deflection, providing passive stability without requiring active control or additional restoring force mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a pendulum arrangement with center of gravity below pivot axis is used, then stability is improved through gravitational restoring torque, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the detection function and the stabilizing function into a single integrated pendulum arrangement. The same pendulum element that provides gravitational stability also serves as the deflection detection mechanism through its interaction with contact elements, eliminating the need for separate sensing and stabilization systems.
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 system provides effective roll and pitch compensation by detecting deflections and using a mechanical actuator to restore the vehicle seat to its initial position, reducing complexity and cost while ensuring stability through gravitational torque, without the need for sensors or control systems.
Implementation Method 1
the suspension of the pendulum arrangement at the upper end ensures that this pendulum arrangement can swing freely about the second axis, so that the lower end of the pendulum arrangement moves with gravity and returns relatively quickly to an initial position
Implementation Method 2
a pivot bearing which provides damping
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for automatic tilt compensation within a vehicle, comprising a first assembly and a second assembly which is pivotally connected to the first assembly by means of a first axis, wherein the system further comprises a pendulum arrangement which is pivotally connected to the second assembly by means of a second axis arranged above the first axis and at an upper end of the pendulum arrangement, wherein a deflection of the pendulum arrangement relative to the second assembly can be detected.