Seat Cushion Drain Structure for Wet-Safe Occupant Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Occupant classification sensors in automotive seats are prone to malfunctioning when exposed to water, leading to incorrect classification of occupants and potential failure in airbag deployment due to their sensitivity to moisture.
Innovation Solution
An automotive seat cushion with a drain device featuring a vertically penetrating drain hole and a drain hole guide member that directs water to the floor beneath the seat, preventing water accumulation and ensuring the sensor's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an occupant classification sensor is installed to detect occupant weight and seating position, then occupant classification accuracy is improved, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to water damage and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from the wet environment by positioning it between the cushion pad and covering, away from the drain hole. The drain hole and guide member are separated from the sensor location, allowing water to be drained from the cushion pad without contacting the sensor, thus protecting sensor reliability while maintaining classification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion pad serves as an intermediary layer between the sensor and potential water sources. The drain hole guide member acts as a mediator to channel water away from the sensor area through the cushion pad to the drain hole, preventing direct water contact with the sensor while allowing the sensor to function accurately
2Reliability
If water drainage capability is added to the seat cushion, then water protection of the sensor is improved, but the cushion structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drain hole guide member is integrated into the cushion pad structure, combining the drainage function with the existing cushion components. The guide member utilizes the wire mounting groove already present in the cushion pad, merging the drainage pathway with the existing structural elements rather than adding completely separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The drain hole guide member serves multiple functions: it maintains the drain hole shape, guides water flow, and is integrated with the wire mounting structure. The wire mounting groove serves both as a structural element for securing wires and as a pathway for the drain hole,实现 multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity
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
The solution effectively prevents sensor malfunctions by draining water away from the sensor, enhancing its durability and ensuring accurate occupant classification, thereby ensuring proper airbag deployment in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a drain hole which is formed by vertically penetrating the seat cushion, and a drain hole guide member which is inserted into the drain hole and engaged thereto to maintain a shape of the drain hole
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive seat cushion with a drain device may include a seat cushion including a cushion pad which is disposed inside the seat cushion and a covering which is disposed outside the cushion pad and is connected to the cushion pad by a hog ring, a passenger classification sensor which is disposed between the cushion pad and the covering and detects whether a seat is occupied by an occupant or not, a drain hole which is formed by vertically penetrating the seat cushion, and a drain hole guide member which is inserted into the drain hole and engaged thereto to maintain a shape of the drain hole.