Automotive Seat Adjuster Actuator for Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle adjusting mechanisms, such as those for rear view mirrors and seats, primarily serve mechanical adjustment functions but lack additional features to provide tangible and audible signals in critical situations or during operations, limiting their application and user feedback.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a signal generator within the control unit of the adjusting mechanism's electric actuator, allowing for the application of alternating voltage to create tangible and audible signals, enabling secondary functions like warning signals, acoustic improvements, and haptic feedback, without altering the primary mechanical function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the adjusting mechanism is used only for mechanical adjustment functions, then the device structure remains simple, but the application scope and user feedback capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the adjusting mechanism to perform both its primary mechanical adjustment function and secondary signaling functions (audible and tangible warnings) through the same actuator system. The controller is programmed to selectively activate different output modes based on detected conditions, allowing a single device to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate warning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting mechanism serves itself by using its existing motor and control electronics to generate warning signals. The same actuator that performs mechanical adjustment can be driven by alternating voltage to produce audible clicks or tangible vibrations, eliminating the need for separate warning devices and utilizing the system's own components for dual functionality
2Loss of information
If additional warning and feedback functions are added to the adjusting mechanism, then user feedback capabilities are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to selectively activate different output modes (mechanical adjustment, audible warnings, tangible vibrations) based on detected conditions. The same hardware infrastructure supports multiple functions, with the controller programming determining the active mode, thereby enhancing user feedback without proportionally increasing hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters applied to the actuator to achieve different functions. By varying voltage characteristics (direct current for adjustment, alternating voltage for warnings) and control signals, the same actuator produces different output types, enabling enhanced feedback capabilities through parameter modulation rather than additional components
3Reliability
If the actuator is used to generate audible and tangible signals, then additional warning capabilities are provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Warning signals are generated periodically or intermittently based on detected critical conditions rather than continuously. The controller activates alternating voltage application only when specific conditions are met (e.g., driver inattention detected, adjustment phase completed), reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable warning capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electrical parameters (voltage type, frequency, amplitude) of the actuator to produce different output modes. By modulating these parameters rather than maintaining constant high-energy operation, the system achieves reliable warning signals only when necessary, optimizing energy usage while preserving warning effectiveness
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
Enables expanded use of adjusting mechanisms by providing additional warning and feedback capabilities, enhancing user experience through customizable audible and tactile signals during critical driving situations and operations, while maintaining the primary mechanical function.
Implementation Method 1
the adjusting mechanism has at least one electrical actuator, which exhibits plug-in connections for a power supply... the electric actuator has plug-in connections, to which an electrical adjusting voltage is applied during an adjusting process
Implementation Method 2
a signal voltage that consists of alternating voltage and prompts a tangible and/or audible adjusting motion by the actuator
Implementation Method 3
a signal voltage that consists of alternating voltage and prompts a tangible and/or audible adjusting motion by the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment device and method for an automobile seat or steering column. The adjustment device has an adjustment mechanism including an electric actuator, such as an electric motor, with plug-in connections. A control unit with a signal generator applies an adjustment voltage to the connections during an adjustment process, and may also, either simultaneously with or without the adjustment voltage, apply an alternating signal voltage to produce at least one of a tangible motion or an audible motion.