Proximity Sensor Elastic Member for Seat Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity sensors for detecting seat positions in vehicles face precision issues due to variations in the relative position of the sensor housing and the magnetic field generating portion, leading to inaccurate detection of the seat's slide position.
Innovation Solution
A proximity sensor design that uses an elastic member to maintain a constant distance between the magnetic detection element and the object to be detected, ensuring the magnetic detection element is held firmly between the housing and the elastic member, thereby enhancing detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the proximity sensor is moved according to the sliding movement of the vehicle seat, then the seat position can be detected, but the relative position relationship between the housing and the detect portion may shift, worsening the detection precision
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member (elastic rib) is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adjust and maintain constant contact pressure between the detect portion and the housing during seat movement. This dynamic flexibility compensates for relative position shifts while preserving detection precision throughout the sliding range.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the connection between the detect portion and housing from rigid to elastic. By introducing an elastic member with specific material properties (elastic modulus, thickness), the system maintains a constant distance parameter between the detect portion and the magnetic field generating portion, ensuring consistent detection accuracy across different seat positions.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the distance from the detect portion to the member to be detected varies with age, then the magnetic field variation changes, but this causes variation in the slide detect position
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is pre-designed with specific elastic properties to anticipate and compensate for aging effects. By selecting materials and dimensions that provide appropriate elastic recovery, the system preliminarily counteracts the tendency for distance variation that would occur with age, maintaining detection position accuracy throughout the sensor's service life.
3Measurement precision
If the magnetic detection element is held firmly between the housing and the elastic member, then the relative position is kept stationary, but this requires precise mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic rib structure automatically performs the positioning and securing function when the detect portion is inserted. The elastic deformation of the rib during insertion creates a self-locking effect that firmly holds the detect portion in place without requiring additional fastening operations, making the manufacturing process simple while ensuring precise positioning.
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 design improves the accuracy of seat position detection by maintaining a consistent distance and reducing the impact of vibrations, ensuring precise detection of the seat's slide position, which is essential for controlling airbag deployment and ignition timing.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member elastically applies a force to a magnetic detection element toward a detection surface of the magnetic detection element
Implementation Method 2
a proximity sensor including a magnetic field generating portion (a permanent magnet) and a detect portion (a Hall IC)... the magnetic field of the magnetic field generating portion to be detected by the detect portion is varied according to the position relationship
Data Source
AI summary
In a proximity sensor 20 for detecting the proximity of a member to be detected 8 having a magnet or a magnetic material using a magnetic detection element 26, there are provided elastic members 33 for elastically energizing the magnetic detection element 26 toward the detection surface 26a thereof.