Seat Cushion Length Extender with Leg Position Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat control systems do not effectively adjust the seat cushion support to accommodate users of varying leg lengths, leading to discomfort and potential inhibition of leg movement.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based system that includes a capacitive or pressure sensor to detect the user's leg position and control an actuator to extend or retract the cushion length extender, providing adjustable support by moving the front edge of the seat base to maintain a comfortable gap with the user's leg.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seat cushion length is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to users of varying leg lengths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat cushion length is made dynamically adjustable through an actuator mechanism that extends or retracts the cushion length extender based on detected leg position, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different user requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts the seat cushion length by detecting the user's leg position through a sensor and controlling the actuator accordingly, enabling self-adjustment without manual intervention and eliminating the need for user input
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor-based automatic adjustment system is implemented, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts the seat cushion length by detecting the user's leg position through a sensor and controlling the actuator accordingly, enabling self-adjustment without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor detects the position of the user's leg and provides feedback to a controller, which then adjusts the actuator to maintain optimal cushion length, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously adapts to user needs
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 system enhances user comfort by providing self-adjusting upper leg support, ensuring optimal cushioning and preventing discomfort or inhibition of leg movement, while allowing easy entry and exit by adapting to different leg lengths.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor-based system that includes a capacitive or pressure sensor to detect the user's leg position
Data Source
AI summary
Seats and methods for controlling a seat are described. A position of the user's leg is sensed relative to the position of the front of the seat. A determination is made as to if the position of the user's leg from a front of the seat is greater than a gap minimum. If the gap is greater than the gap minimum, a cushion length extender portion of the seat is moved until the sensed position is less than or equal to the gap minimum. In an example, the remainder of seat base is held in a fixed position within the vehicle environment. The gap minimum can be with the cushion length extender portion in slight contact with the user's leg. The sensor can be at a front face of seat. The sensor can be on the cushion length extender portion of the seat.