Automotive Seat Control Device Using Magnetic Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern motor vehicle seat adjustment switches suffer from high friction, requiring increased force for operation, which compromises comfort and contradicts the desire for reduced-force operation, especially under varying temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A seat operating device with a rigidly mounted operating element and integrated sensor device that detects force on its surface, generating control signals for seat adjustment, eliminating frictional influence and allowing low-force operation while ensuring high safety and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical operating element with linear guides is used, then the key cap can be reset safely under all temperature conditions, but the friction in the linear guides requires increased operating force which reduces operating comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical linear guide system with a magnetic field-based sensor system. The operating element is rigidly mounted without mechanical guides, and a sensor device detects the position and operation of the key cap through magnetic field changes. This eliminates friction entirely while maintaining reliable operation across temperature ranges, as the magnetic field is not affected by thermal expansion or contraction in the same way mechanical components are.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidly mounted operating element serves multiple functions: it provides a stable mechanical interface for finger operation, acts as a mounting structure for the sensor device, and its position itself serves as the input signal when combined with the magnetic sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical guidance systems.
2Ease of operation
If the operating element is rigidly mounted without mechanical guides, then friction is eliminated and operating force is reduced, but the reliability of reset under varying temperature conditions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a magnetic sensor system to detect the position and operation of the rigidly mounted key cap. The sensor device generates electrical signals based on magnetic field changes caused by the key cap's position, eliminating the need for mechanical return springs or guides while maintaining reliable operation. The magnetic field detection is not affected by temperature-induced dimensional changes in the same way mechanical systems are.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the mechanically simple key cap and the electronic control system. The sensor device translates the mechanical position of the key cap into electrical signals without requiring mechanical contact or guidance, allowing the key cap to be rigidly mounted while still providing reliable position detection for control purposes.
3Ease of operation
If contactless sensors are used at specific points, then operating force is reduced, but the device complexity increases with multiple sensors and indentations
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element serves as both the user interface and the mounting structure for the sensor device. The sensor device is integrated into the operating element itself, allowing it to detect position and operation while being mechanically supported by the same structure. This integration reduces the need for separate sensor mounting mechanisms and simplifies the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the operating element and sensor device into a single integrated assembly. The sensor device is mounted on the operating element and detects its position and operation, merging the mechanical interface and sensing functions into one unified structure. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity compared to distributed contactless sensors.
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 intuitive, reliable, and comfortable seat adjustment with reduced operating force, providing precise control over seat movement and feedback, while preventing natural force fluctuations from initiating and stopping the adjustment process.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device for detecting a variable a force acting on the at least one third surface during the operator input and for generating a signal corresponding to the magnitude of the detected force
Data Source
Figure 1a~2c
Figure 3a~4c
Figure 5a~6c
AI summary
The invention relates to a control device (10) for controlling an adjustable seat of a motor vehicle, comprising: a support element (12); a control element (14) which comprises a first surface which is oriented towards an outer surface of the support element (12); a second surface and at least one third surface (20, 24) which is adjacent to the first surface and the second surfaces; a sensor device (18) for detecting a size of a force, when a control is applied, acting upon the at least one third surface (20, 24) and for generating a signal corresponding to the size of the detected force; an evaluation device for generating a control signal by processing the signal corresponding to the size of the detected force; and an adjusting device for adjusting the adjustable seat based on the control signal.