Pulse-Monitored Vibrating Seat for Drowsiness Alert

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wake-up devices are ineffective in preventing drowsiness in situations where sleep is hazardous, such as for truck drivers, pilots, and night shift workers, as they cannot predict or anticipate the onset of sleep, leading to safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A pulse-monitored, vibrating vehicle seat mechanism that calibrates to the user's resting heart rate and activates vibration when a predetermined decrease is detected, with adjustable vibration levels to maintain alertness, using wireless cardiac sensors and communication with personal devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wake-up devices are used, then users can be alerted at a predetermined time, but they cannot prevent drowsiness when sleep occurs unexpectedly in hazardous situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrowsiness prevention reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/time-based alarm systems with a physiological monitoring system using optical sensors to detect heart rate and pulse variations. This substitution enables the system to detect drowsiness based on biological changes rather than predetermined time schedules, fundamentally improving reliability in preventing unexpected sleep while the operator remains in control of the vehicle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors the operator's own physiological signals (heart rate, pulse) to detect drowsiness and triggers alerts when sleep is imminent. The operator receives real-time feedback about their alertness level and can take self-corrective actions, making the system self-regulating without requiring external monitoring or intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the vibration intensity is increased to ensure alertness, then the warning effectiveness improves, but the user may be startled or experience discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewarning effectivenessVSAvoiduser discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration intensity is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously adjusts vibration strength based on real-time heart rate data and the operator's physiological state. When drowsiness is detected, vibration begins at a lower intensity and escalates progressively, allowing the operator to remain comfortable while still receiving effective warning signals that prompt alertness without causing excessive discomfort or startling the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the system continuously monitors heart rate to detect sleep onset, then drowsiness detection accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrowsiness detection accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic optical sensing to monitor heart rate and pulse variations rather than continuous monitoring. By analyzing rhythmic physiological patterns at intervals, the system maintains high detection accuracy for sleep onset while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring, allowing the vehicle to operate for extended periods between charges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Effectively prevents drowsiness-related hazards by alerting users through customizable vibrations, ensuring safety in critical professions and daily activities, with data logging and integration into various vehicle systems.

Implementation Method 1

monitors the user's pulse rate and activates the vibration mode when the user's pulse rate falls below a calculated, predetermined percentage below the user's resting heart rate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse rate detection:

Implementation Method 2

activates the vibration mode... vibration waves stimulate the user through all points of contact with the seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS9649067B2Pulse-monitored, vibrating vehicle seat mechanism

Publication Date: 2017.05.16 ZOHAR TEDI

AI summary

A Pulse-Monitored, Vibrating Vehicle Seat Mechanism is a drowsiness alert system. The Pulse-Monitored, Vibrating Vehicle Seat Mechanism consists of cardiac sensors, a vibration device encased in the vehicle seat upholstery, and communication elements. The mechanism is powered by the electrical system of the given vehicle and can be integrated inside any vehicle.