Vehicle Seat Haptic Feedback Control Under Masking Vibrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic feedback systems in vehicles are of variable utility and often fail to effectively draw a user's attention to the need to take action in a given situation due to masking by vibrations from other sources like the powertrain or road surface.
Innovation Solution
A control system that receives vehicle parameter information and generates a control signal for a haptic feedback actuator, adjusting the feedback based on vehicle parameters such as speed, powertrain state, and cabin vibration, to ensure the feedback is noticeable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If haptic feedback is provided at fixed amplitude regardless of vehicle conditions, then the system is simple to operate, but the feedback may be masked by vibrations from powertrain or road surface
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time vehicle conditions. The controller modifies the haptic feedback actuator's operation in response to detected vehicle vibrations, transitioning from a static fixed-amplitude system to a dynamic adaptive system that responds to changing environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the controller detects vehicle vibrations and uses this information to adjust the haptic feedback delivery. The controller receives information about vehicle vibrations and modifies the haptic feedback signal accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to ambient conditions.
2Reliability
If haptic feedback amplitude is increased to overcome masking vibrations, then feedback detection reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller modifies operational parameters of the haptic feedback actuator based on detected vehicle conditions. Instead of using a fixed high amplitude that would consume excessive energy, the system dynamically changes parameters such as amplitude, frequency, or duration of haptic feedback to match the ambient vibration levels, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining detectability.
3Reliability
If the controller adapts haptic feedback to vehicle parameter information, then feedback detection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages normal vehicle operations and simultaneously handles haptic feedback adaptation. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated complex hardware solely for haptic adaptation, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining feedback reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for controlling a haptic feedback actuator of a vehicle, the controller comprising: at least one input for receiving: vehicle parameter information comprising information indicative of a current position of at least a portion of a seat of the vehicle; and information indicating that it is required to provide haptic feedback, a processor being arranged, in response to receipt of information indicating that haptic feedback is required, to generate a control signal for controlling operation of the haptic feedback actuator, the control signal being responsive at least in part to the vehicle parameter information; and an output for outputting the control signal.