Vehicle Seat Mode Switching With Restore-State Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat control systems in vehicles face challenges in minimizing the number of switches due to space constraints, leading to confusion when controlling seat locations in fully automatic modes, especially when the seat is not perfectly adjusted to the target mode, and there is a lack of clear reference for operation modes upon receiving user input.
Innovation Solution
A seat control apparatus that identifies the previous operation mode and determines whether to switch to a target mode or restoring mode based on user input, using a controller connected to an input part and a driving part to adjust the seat's position, and stores the renewed operation mode in memory, allowing for continuous control in pre-emptive modes and neglecting switch inputs under specific vehicle conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a fully automatic seat control scheme is implemented using at least one motor, then the seat location can be adjusted automatically based on user input, but the number of switches cannot be minimized due to space constraints and lack of mounting spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switch functions into a single switch by implementing a fully automatic control scheme where one switch input can trigger different seat location adjustments based on stored operation modes. The controller integrates the functions of multiple switches by referencing previously stored seat operation states, allowing a single switch to perform what previously required multiple switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses memory to store copies of previous seat operation modes and states. When a switch input is received, the controller references the stored operation mode copy to determine the appropriate seat location adjustment, eliminating the need for multiple physical switches while maintaining the functionality of different operation modes.
2Device complexity
If automatic switches are used to minimize the number of switches, then the seat can be restored to original state with single input, but clear control reference is lost when seat control is stopped due to inevitable situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously storing and updating the current seat operation mode in memory. When control is stopped due to inevitable situations, the system retrieves the stored operation mode as feedback to restore the clear control reference. This feedback mechanism ensures that the user always has a clear reference for the current operation mode even after interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by storing the operation mode in advance before any control interruption occurs. This pre-stored information serves as a reference when the seat control is stopped, allowing the system to quickly restore the correct operation mode context without losing control reference information.
3Loss of information
If the seat control apparatus stores operation mode information in memory, then clear reference is provided for subsequent control operations, but additional memory and processing requirements are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential operation mode information that is needed for control reference, storing only the necessary data in memory rather than complete seat position data. This extraction approach provides clear reference information while minimizing memory and processing requirements by storing only the critical operation mode identifiers.
4Ease of operation
If multiple switches are installed to provide clear operation mode reference, then user confusion is reduced, but mounting space requirements increase which contradicts space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single switch universal by programming it to provide clear operation mode reference through the stored operation mode information. Instead of requiring multiple specialized switches for different functions, one multi-functional switch combined with memory storage provides the same clarity as multiple switches would have, eliminating the need for additional mounting space.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat control apparatus may receive a switch input regarding a target mode. The switch input may be provided by a user through an input part. The seat control apparatus may identify a previous operation mode of the seat. The seat control apparatus may determine, based on the previous operation mode, one of the target mode and a restoring mode as a specific operation mode. The seat control apparatus may control a location of the seat by using the driving part such that the location of the seat corresponds to the specific operation mode. The seat control apparatus may also renew an operation mode of the seat the specific operation mode and store the renewed operation mode in the memory.