Vehicle Seat Connector Assembly for Wireless Buckle Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle seat and seat belt buckle systems rely on wired sensor assemblies for monitoring seat removal and buckle latching/unlatching, which are cumbersome and lack wireless functionality.

Innovation Solution

A wireless inductive/passive sensor system comprising a first and second inductive coil connector assembly, a vehicle seat belt buckle with a third inductive coil, and a monitor module, allowing for the detection of seat presence and buckle status through inductive coupling, eliminating the need for physical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired sensor assemblies are used for monitoring seat removal and buckle latching, then reliable detection is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires physical connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical sensor assemblies with a wireless inductive coupling system. The sensor assembly uses inductive coils to wirelessly transmit detection signals between the seat connector and the buckle, eliminating the need for physical wired connections while maintaining reliable detection of seat removal and buckle latching status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If wired sensor assemblies are used, then stable signal transmission is achieved, but the system lacks wireless functionality and requires complex wiring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission stabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical wiring system with an electromagnetic inductive coupling system. Two inductive coils are positioned to face each other across the connector interface, creating a wireless communication channel that transmits detection signals without physical wire connections, thereby reducing wiring complexity while maintaining signal stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The inductive coils act as intermediaries to transfer detection signals wirelessly between the seat connector and the buckle. The coils create an inductive coupling field that mediates the transmission of electrical signals without direct physical contact, eliminating the need for wired connections while ensuring stable signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If wireless inductive coupling is implemented, then system convenience is improved, but connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem convenienceVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements wireless inductive coupling by replacing the mechanical wired connection with electromagnetic field-based signal transmission. The sensor assembly includes inductive coils that create a magnetic coupling field, allowing reliable wireless communication between the seat connector and buckle without physical wire connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The inductive coils serve as intermediaries that establish a reliable wireless connection through inductive coupling. The coils are positioned to face each other, creating a magnetic field that acts as a mediator to transmit signals reliably without direct physical contact, thus maintaining connection reliability while achieving wireless functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the wireless monitoring of vehicle seat presence and seat belt buckle status, providing a more convenient and efficient solution for detecting seat removal and buckle engagement without the need for wired connections.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second inductive coils positioned opposite each other to define a closed inductive coil circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the coil spring exerts a compressive force against the first inductive coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11993223B2Vehicle seat connector assembly

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 CTS CORP

AI summary

A vehicle seat connector assembly comprising a first connector coupled to the seat of the vehicle and including a first inductive coil. A second connector is coupled to the vehicle and includes a second inductive coil. The first and second connectors are positioned relative to each other into a first relationship with the first and second connectors coupled to each other and the first and second inductive coils positioned opposite each other to define a closed inductive coil circuit and a second relationship with the first and second connectors and the first and second inductive coils separated from each other to define an open inductive coil circuit. A third inductive coil is located on the vehicle seat belt buckle and a coil cable extends between the first inductive coil of the first connector and the third inductive coil.