Vehicle Seat Heating Control via Switch Timing Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle seat heating systems lack the ability to selectively control back heating without activating the entire seat, which is undesirable for passengers with back problems, and require significant redesign to accommodate such functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control module is integrated into the existing wiring system to differentiate between conventional seat heating and seatback heating using a pre-existing switch, allowing for independent control of seatback heating without rewiring, with optional features like confirmation indicators and timing limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional seat heating control is used, then the entire seat (including bottom seat) is heated, but this causes unnecessary heating for passengers with back problems who only need back heating
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into two independent segments: seatback heating and bottom seat heating. Each segment can be controlled independently through a single switch, allowing selective activation of only the required heating zone. This segmentation enables passengers with back problems to receive heating only in the back area without unnecessary heating of the bottom seat, thereby reducing energy consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If selective seatback heating control is implemented, then back-only heating is enabled, but this requires significant redesign and modification of the seat heating system
Solution Approach 1:
The existing single switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it can activate either seatback heating or bottom seat heating based on the timing of consecutive presses. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switches or complex control systems, as the original switch is repurposed to control both heating zones selectively without requiring additional control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses timing-based logic where consecutive switch presses within a predetermined time interval trigger different heating modes. This preliminary programming of control logic into a simple electronic control module allows the system to automatically differentiate between single press (bottom seat heating) and double press (seatback heating) commands, enabling selective heating without complex hardware modifications.
3Ease of manufacture
If a pre-existing switch is used for both seat and seatback heating control, then wiring is minimized, but the system cannot distinguish between conventional seat heating commands and seatback heating commands
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action through timing-based command recognition. By monitoring the time interval between consecutive switch presses, the electronic control module can differentiate between different heating commands. A single press activates bottom seat heating, while two presses within a predetermined time interval activate seatback heating. This timing-based differentiation allows the system to interpret different commands from the same switch without requiring additional wiring or complex signal encoding.
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
Enables selective seatback heating using the same manual switch, minimizing system modifications and power consumption, while providing audible and visible confirmation and automatic timing features to conserve battery life.
Implementation Method 1
Seat 4 is heated by a seat heating element 8, while seatback 6 has a seatback heating element 10
Data Source
AI summary
A seat heater for a motor vehicle is shown and described. An electronic controller receives input signals from a manual switch controlling separate seat and seatback heating elements. One type of signal, such as that resulting from one depression of the switch, effects energizing of both seat and also seatback heating elements. A second type of signal, such as two depressions of the switch, effects energizing of only the seatback heating element. The input signals provide operating power to the electronic controller. Optionally, energizing of the seatback heating element may be stopped should any other pattern of switch operation occur. Optionally, energizing of only the seatback heating element may be indicated audibly, visibly, or both. Optionally, energizing of only the seatback heating element may be limited to a predetermined time interval.