Vehicle Seat Massage System with Active Occupant Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat systems fail to actively engage occupants, leading to physical and mental fatigue during long journeys, as they only provide passive massage without encouraging active participation.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat system with an integrated massage device and a communication device that transmits instructions to occupants via visual or acoustic cues, encouraging them to actively respond to the massage by adjusting their posture, body tension, breathing, and movement, thereby promoting mental and physical activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a passive massage device is integrated into the vehicle seat backrest, then the occupant's well-being is improved, but the occupant's physical activation and concentration are not enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoccupant well-beingVSAvoidphysical activation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device receives signals from sensors detecting occupant posture and massage device position, processes this information, and adjusts the massage program accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to respond to occupant needs dynamically, transitioning from purely passive massage to an interactive system that can guide active participation while maintaining well-being.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects occupant posture through sensors and adjusts the massage program without requiring manual input from the occupant. The control device autonomously coordinates the massage device elements based on detected positions, enabling the system to serve itself in adapting to occupant needs while potentially guiding active participation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the massage device is controlled automatically based on sensor data, then the massage program is optimized, but the occupant remains passive and mentally inactive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemassage program optimizationVSAvoidoccupant engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static, pre-programmed massage sequences to dynamic, real-time adjustment based on sensor feedback. The control device continuously modifies massage parameters according to detected occupant posture and preferences, creating an adaptive system that balances automation with potential for active occupant participation through multiple programmable options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pressurizable elements are integrated into the seat backrest, then the massage capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemassage capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The massage device is divided into multiple independently controllable pressurizable elements distributed throughout the seat backrest. Each element can be controlled separately by the control device, allowing localized massage adjustments while maintaining overall system coordination through centralized control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2531372B1Vehicle seating syste
Publication Date: 2014.10.29 MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG
  • EP2531372B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The possibility of encouraging an occupant of a vehicle seat to activate the body and mind thereof should be created for said occupant. For this purpose, a vehicle seat system is provided, comprising a vehicle seat (14), in the backrest (16) of which a massaging device (18) is integrated in order to influence the seat contour, and comprising a control device (22) for controlling the massaging device (18), the vehicle seat system having a communication device (24), by means of which at least one instruction can be given to an occupant (10) of the vehicle seat (14) depending on the control of the massaging device (18).