Seat Massage Bladder With Integral Haptic Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular seat massage systems lack the ability to provide both effective massage and haptic feedback in a unified and efficient manner, often requiring duplicate components and complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
Integration of haptic motors within the massage bladders of vehicular seats, where the motors are positioned at the apex of the bladders to provide both massage and haptic feedback through varying pressurization and vibrational output, controlled by a single system that responds to multiple inputs including occupant requests, vehicle operations, and external conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate massage and haptic systems are used, then each function can be independently optimized, but component duplication and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate massage and haptic feedback systems into a single integrated system where a unified controller manages both functions. The controller receives various inputs (occupant requests, vehicle operations, external conditions) and coordinates both massage bladders and haptic motors through one control architecture, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional independence of each subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller serves multiple functions by managing both massage and haptic feedback operations. It processes diverse inputs including occupant requests, vehicle operational data, and external environmental conditions to coordinate both massage bladder inflation/deflation and haptic motor activation, creating a universal control system that replaces what would otherwise require separate dedicated controllers.
2Reliability
If separate massage and haptic systems are used, then each function can be independently optimized, but component duplication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate massage and haptic control components into a single integrated controller unit. This unified controller manages both the massage bladder system and haptic motor system, eliminating the need for duplicate control electronics, processors, and power management circuits that would exist if separate systems were used.
3Device complexity
If integrated massage and haptic system is used, then component duplication is reduced, but control mechanism complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated controller is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle diverse inputs and output controls through a single system. It processes occupant requests, vehicle operational data, and external environmental conditions while coordinating both massage and haptic functions, simplifying the control architecture rather than complicating it.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts its operation based on the type of input received and the current system state. It can prioritize different functions (massage vs. haptic feedback) depending on operational context, such as activating haptic feedback for safety-critical vehicle notifications while maintaining or modifying massage intensity, providing adaptive and context-aware control.
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
This solution enables a dual-functioning massage and haptic system that reduces component duplication, simplifies control mechanisms, and enhances occupant experience by providing tailored tactile feedback and massage effects.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration motor, positioned at an apex of the fluid bladder, such that the vibration motor provides a vibrational output
Implementation Method 2
The fluid actuator displaces a fluid to inflate and deflate the fluid bladder
Implementation Method 3
The bladders are inflated and deflated to provide a supporting or massage effect
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly comprises a plurality of fluid impermeable sheets that cooperate with each other to form one or more fluid chambers. The one or more fluid chambers are in fluid communication with a fluid supply passages, and a vibration motor is associated with the one or more fluid chambers.