Vehicle Seat-Integrated Controls for Relaxed Driving Posture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prolonged use of traditional motor vehicle controls can be uncomfortable and unnatural, leading to a need for improved driving comfort and pleasure, particularly during long journeys.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle seat with adjustable, manually operable control devices that allow drivers to emit electrical control signals for steering, accelerating, and braking, enabling more natural and relaxed driving positions while maintaining control of the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional controls (steering wheel and pedals) are used, then vehicle control function is achieved, but driver comfort and naturalness deteriorate during prolonged use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving comfortVSAvoidprolonged use duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control functions from the traditional fixed positions (steering wheel and pedals) and redistributes them to multiple locations including the seat, armrests, and steering column. This allows the driver to control the vehicle from various relaxed positions rather than being confined to the traditional driving posture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces control devices in three-dimensional space around the driver - on the seat, armrests, and steering column - rather than only in the traditional two-dimensional dashboard plane. This spatial redistribution enables more natural and relaxed driving positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If controls are relocated to enable relaxed driving positions, then driving comfort improves, but control accessibility and precision may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving comfortVSAvoidcontrol accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multiple control devices that can perform the same or similar functions at different locations. For example, steering control is available both through the traditional steering wheel and through controls on the seat and armrests, ensuring that control accessibility is maintained while enabling relaxed driving positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electronic control units and signal transmission systems as intermediaries between the distributed control devices and the vehicle's control systems. This allows controls to be relocated to ergonomic positions while maintaining precise and reliable control function through electronic mediation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4282702A1Motor vehicle seat with integrated controls

Publication Date: 2023.11.29 FERRARI SPA

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AI summary

A motor vehicle seat for a driver of a motor vehicle (1) includes a frame (11) and one or more control devices (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) coupled to the frame (11) in a movable manner relative to the frame (11) and manually manoeuvrable by the driver to emit electrical control signals configured to drive the motor vehicle (1) according to the movement of the control devices (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) with respect to the frame (11 ).