Adjustable Seat Assembly with Anthropometry-Based Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat assemblies lack the ability to automatically adjust to provide optimal comfort, posture, and wellness for occupants based on individual anthropometry and seating preferences, leading to suboptimal support and increased fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly system with actuators and sensors connected to a controller that adjusts settings based on occupant anthropometry data and selected positioning modes, using air bladders and pressure sensors to dynamically balance seating position and provide thoracic support, integrated with a user interface for customization and remote access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual seat adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different occupant anthropometry and positioning preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller stores multiple predetermined positioning settings (e.g., memory seats) that are pre-configured for different occupant preferences and anthropometry. When an occupant selects a preset mode, the controller automatically retrieves and applies the corresponding positioning data, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and providing personalized comfort without requiring complex real-time sensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors distributed across the seat cushion and backrest continuously detect occupant contact pressure and seating position. The controller processes this feedback data to determine optimal positioning settings based on the detected anthropometry and posture, automatically adjusting actuators to achieve wellness positioning goals while adapting to individual occupant characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automatic adjustment based on anthropometry data is implemented, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it stores predetermined positioning data for different occupant types, processes real-time pressure sensor feedback, executes automatic positioning adjustments, and manages manual override inputs. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly system automatically performs positioning adjustments without requiring direct user manipulation of controls. The controller autonomously processes anthropometry data from sensors or input devices, compares it against predetermined wellness positioning criteria, and actuates the positioning mechanisms to achieve optimal seating posture, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and actuators are added for wellness positioning, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors continuously monitor occupant seating position and contact pressure distribution. The controller automatically processes this feedback to determine whether the current positioning meets wellness criteria, making real-time adjustments without requiring the occupant to manually sense or adjust their own posture. This closed-loop feedback system simplifies operation by eliminating the need for user expertise in ergonomic positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly autonomously performs wellness positioning adjustments based on sensor data and predetermined positioning algorithms. The system self-regulates actuator positions to achieve optimal thoracic support, lumbar alignment, and overall posture without requiring the occupant to manually operate multiple controls or understand complex positioning parameters, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite the presence of multiple sensors and actuators.
4Productivity
If automatic positioning adjustment is implemented, then productivity of seat adjustment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller stores multiple predetermined positioning settings that have been pre-optimized for different occupant types and preferences. When an occupant selects a preset mode or the system detects an occupant, the controller instantly retrieves the corresponding positioning data and executes the adjustment sequence, achieving rapid positioning without requiring complex real-time calculation or multiple iterative adjustments, thus improving productivity while limiting complexity growth.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly is provided with a seat cushion adapted to be mounted for translation. A seat back is adapted to be pivotally mounted adjacent the seat cushion. At least one actuator is operably connected to at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back for adjustment of at least one of a plurality of settings of the seat assembly. A controller is in electrical communication with the at least one actuator and configured to: receive a data input indicative of occupant anthropometry data, receive a mode selection input indicative of a selected seat positioning mode, compare the data input with predetermined data ranges for the selected seat positioning mode, and adjust at least one of the plurality of settings of the at least one actuator to a predetermined setting based on the predetermined data range.