Adjustable Seat Assembly with Driving Mode Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seat assemblies lack the ability to dynamically adjust to individual occupant anthropometry and driving modes, leading to suboptimal comfort, posture, and support, which can contribute to fatigue and health issues related to spinal misalignments.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable seat assembly with a controller that receives occupant anthropometry data and adjusts settings based on selected driving modes, utilizing actuators and inflatable air bladders to optimize seat and back support, including inflation and recline adjustments for different driving modes such as touring, sport, and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seat assembly is made adjustable with multiple actuators and air bladders, then comfort and posture support are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly incorporates multiple actuators that enable dynamic adjustment of seat position, backrest angle, and cushion firmness. The system transitions from a static seat configuration to a dynamically adjustable one, allowing real-time adaptation to driver needs and driving conditions through motorized control of seat components.
Solution Approach 2:
Air bladders integrated into the seat cushion and backrest utilize pneumatic pressure to adjust firmness and provide targeted support. The inflation and deflation of these air-filled chambers allow dynamic modification of seat comfort characteristics without complex mechanical linkages, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seat assembly dynamically adjusts to driving modes, then driver comfort and support are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly adjusts its configuration periodically based on detected driving modes rather than continuously. The controller monitors driving conditions and triggers adjustments only when mode transitions occur, such as switching between sport and comfort modes, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adaptability to driving requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect driving mode and trigger appropriate seat adjustments without requiring manual intervention. The actuators and air bladders self-regulate based on sensor feedback, optimizing comfort for each driving mode while minimizing unnecessary energy expenditure from continuous adjustment cycles.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and actuators are integrated into the seat, then measurement precision of occupant data is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions by integrating sensor data acquisition, processing, and actuator control within a single unit. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the precision measurements enabled by multiple sensors for detecting occupant position, posture, and biometric data.
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 comfort and posture by providing tailored support and reducing fatigue by dynamically adjusting the seat and backrest to match the occupant's needs, minimizing spinal misalignments and improving overall driving experience.
Implementation Method 1
The inflation device is adjusted to inflate the pair of side bolster air bladders in the seat cushion to increase bolster support
Implementation Method 2
At least one actuator is operably connected to at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back for adjustment of at least one of a plurality of settings of the seat assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly is provided with a seat cushion and a seat back. A controller is in electrical communication with an actuator. The controller is programmed to receive a data input indicative of occupant anthropometry data. The data input is compared with predetermined data ranges. A setting of the actuator is adjusted to a predetermined setting based on the predetermined data range. A data input indicative of a selected driving mode is received by the controller. The setting of the actuator is adjusted to another predetermined setting based on the selected driving mode. The actuator includes an inflation device, side bolster air bladders, a seat back recline actuator, a tilt actuator, and a central air bladder. The driving modes include a touring mode, a sport mode and a performance mode.