Vehicle Seat Position Control with Virtual Switch Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat control systems face challenges in minimizing the number of switches due to space constraints, leading to difficulties in properly controlling seat locations, especially when transitioning between operation states in fully automatic schemes.
Innovation Solution
A seat control apparatus that identifies the current location state of a seat using a combination of driving parts and sensors, classifies the state for section-based control, and adjusts the seat using automatic and manual switches to achieve specific target states, including modes like tip and slide, walk-in, and relaxation, while restoring the original state upon user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If automatic switches are used to minimize the number of switches, then the number of switches is reduced, but the control reliability deteriorates when transitioning between operation states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switch input area into multiple virtual switch regions (first switch region, second switch region, third switch region) within a single physical switch assembly. This allows the system to provide multiple automatic control functions without increasing the physical number of switches, while maintaining reliable control by properly identifying which virtual region was activated and applying appropriate control logic for each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The single switch assembly serves multiple functions by incorporating different virtual switch regions that trigger different automatic control operations (tip and slide mode, walk-in mode, easy entry mode, etc.). This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of switches needed while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities across various operation states.
2Ease of operation
If fully automatic control is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to properly control seat location during transitions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the current operation state of the seat and uses this feedback to determine the appropriate control response. When a switch input is detected, the controller identifies the current state, determines the target state based on which virtual switch region was activated, and executes the transition while maintaining proper location control throughout the transition process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the current operation state. Different virtual switch regions are activated depending on the current state, and the control logic adapts to ensure proper location control during transitions between different seat positions and modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat control apparatus may receive a switch input from a user, through an input part. The seat control apparatus may also identify the side location of the seat by the first driving part and a reclining angle of the seat by the second driving part. The seat control apparatus may also identify a specific target state based on at least one of a type of a switch corresponding to the switch input, a corresponding function, a location section including the slide location, an angle section including the reclining angle, or any combination thereof. The seat control apparatus may also control a location of the seat such that the location of the seat corresponds to the specific target state by using at least one of the first driving part, the second driving part, or any combination thereof.