Pivoting Occupant Cell Nullifies Lateral Acceleration Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles do not effectively nullify lower lateral and longitudinal accelerations, leading to occupant discomfort and fatigue during vehicle maneuvers, as they primarily rely on maintaining a rigid chassis and occupant cell to balance forces, which does not proactively address occupant comfort beyond 0.3 g limits.
Innovation Solution
The system allows the occupant cell and/or chassis to pivot laterally and longitudinally with respect to the travel plane, utilizing gravity to nullify lateral and longitudinal accelerations, with optional active assistance from actuation mechanisms and sensors or cameras, enabling the occupant to rotate about virtual pivot points aligned with the center of mass, thereby reducing the load on posture-support muscles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the chassis and occupant cell are kept rigid to maintain structural stability, then structural strength is improved, but occupant comfort deteriorates due to inability to nullify lateral and longitudinal accelerations
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle structure is divided into separate pivotable components (chassis and occupant cell) that can rotate independently about virtual pivot points, allowing each segment to respond to acceleration forces while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure capable of active rotation and repositioning. The chassis and occupant cell can pivot dynamically in response to detected acceleration forces, transforming the structure from fixed to adaptable
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the chassis is allowed to pivot to nullify accelerations, then occupant comfort is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional pivot mechanisms and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
Virtual pivot points are introduced as mathematical intermediaries rather than physical hardware, simplifying the mechanism. These virtual pivots serve as reference points for rotation calculations without requiring complex physical pivot structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pivot mechanisms with computational geometry and control algorithms. Instead of physical hinges and linkages, the system uses sensor data and mathematical models to achieve the same force-nullification effect
3Device complexity
If conventional passive suspension is used to handle vertical forces, then system simplicity is maintained, but occupant comfort deteriorates during lateral and longitudinal maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system addresses lateral and longitudinal comfort issues by introducing rotational degrees of freedom about virtual pivot points, effectively adding a new dimension of motion control beyond traditional vertical suspension to comprehensively address multi-axis acceleration forces
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 solution enhances occupant comfort by reducing the perceived forces during vehicle maneuvers, allowing the occupant to maintain an optimal lean angle and minimizing muscle engagement, effectively negating lateral and longitudinal accelerations through pivoting mechanisms that align with gravitational forces, thus providing improved comfort beyond conventional limits.
Implementation Method 1
These systems and methods utilize gravity to, in part, nullify lateral and/or longitudinal occupant accelerations
Data Source
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AI summary
System and method for nullifying one or more of lateral and longitudinal acceleration forces experienced by an occupant (10) of a vehicle (50) in a seated or standing position while the vehicle (50) is traveling along a travel plane, including: a chassis structure (52); and an occupant cell (54) one of coupled to and defined by the chassis structure (52); wherein one or more of the chassis (52) and the occupant cell (54) are configured to pivot one or more of: laterally at a longitudinal pivot point with respect to the travel plane; and longitudinally at a transverse pivot point with respect to the travel plane. Optionally, the chassis structure (52) is configured to pivot one or more of laterally and longitudinally with respect to one or more wheel mechanisms (70) operable for traveling over the travel plane. Optionally, the occupant cell (54) is configured to pivot one or more of laterally and longitudinally with respect to the chassis structure (52).