Automatic Gas-Spring Seat Height Control Using Belt Movement Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats with gas springs for vibration damping and height adjustment require manual operation of handles for optimal height settings based on user weight, road conditions, and pressure changes, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit evaluates belt rolling movement signals to automatically adjust the seat height when it deviates from a predefined mean height, using a compressor and valve arrangement to ensure precise and comfortable seating without manual intervention, even when the driver changes or during changes in road conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handles are used for seat height adjustment, then the driver can adjust the seat height based on weight and road conditions, but the operation requires driver attention and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts seat height by detecting belt rolling movements and controlling the gas spring pressure, eliminating the need for manual driver operation. The seat serves itself by using the existing belt mechanism as a sensor input to trigger automatic height adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated system that uses electronic sensors to detect belt rolling movements and electronically controls the gas spring pressure, substituting mechanical manual operation with an automated electromechanical system.
2Reliability
If the driver operates handles for optimal height settings, then the seating can be optimized for weight and road conditions, but the driver must think about and perform the operation in good time
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors belt rolling movements as feedback about the seat's position and usage conditions. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically determines when height adjustment is needed and executes the adjustment, ensuring optimal seating configuration without requiring driver anticipation or timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs height adjustments automatically in advance of when the driver would need to manually adjust, by continuously monitoring belt rolling movements and proactively adjusting the seat height to optimal positions before the driver realizes adjustment is needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a compressor and drive motor are provided directly on the vehicle seat, then the seat becomes pressure-system-autonomous and can be installed in any vehicle, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor and drive motor system enables the seat to be pressure-system-autonomous, meaning it can generate and regulate its own air pressure without relying on external vehicle air suspension systems. This universal design allows installation in any vehicle regardless of whether it has a factory air suspension system.
4Extent of automation
If automatic height adjustment is implemented using belt rolling movement detection, then manual operation is eliminated, but the system requires evaluation of detected signals over time periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing belt rolling mechanism as a self-provided sensor input. The belt's natural rolling movements, caused by seat height changes and driver actions, are automatically detected and interpreted by the control unit to trigger appropriate height adjustments, eliminating the need for separate manual sensors or complex input interfaces.
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 provides fully automatic and precise seat height adjustment, enhancing comfort by eliminating the need for manual operation and ensuring optimal seating regardless of user weight or road conditions, with automatic re-adjustment during driver changes and compensation for air loss or vibration shifts.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gas spring which damps vibration and adjusts the seat height
Implementation Method 2
a compressor assigned to the vehicle seat, said compressor having a drive motor for feeding compressed gas to the gas spring
Implementation Method 3
A belt rolling movement is detected by a detector which is attached to the seat frame
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising at least one gas spring (9) which damps vibration and adjusts the seat height, said gas spring being arranged between a seat frame (1) and a base frame (2), and comprising a valve arrangement (43, 44) for adjusting the pressure in the gas spring (9) and a compressor (45) assigned to the vehicle seat (17, 20, 23), said compressor having a drive motor for feeding compressed gas to the gas spring (9), wherein a belt roller device comprising a belt (11) rolled around an axle (12) is arranged between the seat frame (1) and the base frame (2), the first end (11a) of said belt being attached to a belt roller mechanism (10) arranged on the seat frame (1) and the second end (11b) of said belt being attached to the base frame (2), and a detector (16) which detects a belt rolling movement is attached to the seat frame (1). Use is made of an electronic control unit (14, 38, 40) for evaluating belt rolling movement signals detected within a predefined time period (26, 27, 29) for determining a seat height profile within the time period (26, 27, 29) and for controlling the valve arrangement (43, 44) and/or the compressor (45) such that automatic, time-delayed seat height re-adjustment takes place if the seat height profile (31, 35) determined for the time period (26, 27, 29) lies out of a position of symmetry in relation to a predefinable mean seat height (28). Also disclosed is a method for carrying out such automatic seat height adjustment.