Vehicle Seat Control Assembly with Wake-On-Switch Power Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical assemblies in vehicles are often complex and lack sufficient functionality, particularly in controlling primary controllers via secondary controllers and switch assemblies, which can lead to inefficiencies in power management and seat movement operations.

Innovation Solution

An electrical assembly comprising a primary controller, a secondary controller, and a switch assembly, where the secondary controller monitors the switch assembly's position and adjusts the primary controller's power state between low power and active modes based on analog-to-digital signal thresholds, enabling efficient power management and seat control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the primary controller is continuously activated to control seat movements, then the control functionality and response time are improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary controller is configured to activate the primary controller in advance when seat adjustment is detected, ensuring the primary controller is ready to execute movement commands immediately when needed, rather than waiting for activation delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback signals from the switch assembly to monitor seat position and trigger primary controller activation only when seat adjustment is required, creating a closed-loop control system that activates the primary controller based on actual operational needs rather than continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the primary controller is always in active mode to ensure immediate response, then the control reliability is improved, but the energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The primary controller dynamically switches between active and low-power states based on operational requirements, transitioning to active mode when seat adjustment is detected and returning to low-power mode when not needed, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational state parameter of the primary controller from a static always-on configuration to a dynamic state that transitions between active and low-power modes based on detected seat adjustment requirements, improving energy efficiency while maintaining control reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the electrical assembly uses a simple switch configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control functionality is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcontrol functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary controller serves as an intermediary device between the simple switch assembly and the primary controller, adding intelligence and processing capabilities to the control system without requiring complexification of the switch assembly itself, thereby maintaining low device complexity while enhancing control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is segmented into two distinct controllers with different functions: the secondary controller handles signal processing and decision-making, while the primary controller executes motor control, allowing each component to remain relatively simple while the overall system achieves sophisticated control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration allows for efficient power management and effective control of vehicle seat movements by optimizing power usage and ensuring the primary controller is only activated when necessary, enhancing the overall functionality of the electrical assembly.

Implementation Method 1

the primary controller may include and/or be connected to one or more analog to digital converters; and/or the one or more analog to digital converters may be configured to convert return signals from the switch assembly from analog signals to digital signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalog to digital conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12194932B2Electrical assembly

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 LEAR CORP

AI summary

An electrical assembly includes a primary controller, a secondary controller, and a switch assembly. The primary controller, the secondary controller, and/or the switch assembly may be electrically connected, and/or the secondary controller may be configured to control the primary controller according to a position of a switch of the switch assembly. The switch assembly may be connected to the primary controller, and/or the primary controller may be configured to control movement of a vehicle seat according to the position of the switch. The primary controller may include a first state and/or a second state; and the primary controller may be configured to instruct the secondary controller to change the primary controller from the second state to the first state. The first state of the primary controller may be a low power mode.