Flexible Seat Occupancy Sensor for Foam Compression Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occupancy sensing devices for vehicle seats have a short lifespan and are not designed to conform to the shape of the seat's foam, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage when compressing or expanding.
Innovation Solution
A flexible occupancy sensing device with a capacitive sensor system integrated into a flexible substrate made of elastic and impermeable materials, allowing it to conform to the shape of the seat foam and adapt to pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid occupancy sensing device is used, then the sensing function is achieved, but the device has a short lifespan and is damaged when compressing or expanding seat foam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible substrate made of elastic material that can conform to the shape of the seat foam. The substrate includes capacitive sensors and conductive tracks that maintain functionality while bending and deforming with the foam, preventing damage and extending device lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by designing a sensing device that dynamically adapts to the changing shape of the seat foam during compression and expansion. The flexible substrate allows the device to continuously adjust its form factor, maintaining contact and sensing capability throughout the foam's movement cycle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a non-elastic substrate is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the device cannot adapt to curved surfaces and interferes with seat covering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin flexible substrate that can be easily manufactured while providing the necessary adaptability to curved surfaces. The substrate's flexibility allows it to conform to the seat's contours without requiring complex manufacturing processes, achieving both adaptability and ease of manufacture.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the substrate is made permeable, then breathability is improved, but moisture and contaminants can damage the electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a protective environment for the electronic components by using an impermeable flexible substrate that acts as a barrier against moisture and contaminants. This inert barrier protects the capacitive sensors and conductive tracks while allowing the device to function reliably in the humid environment of a vehicle seat.
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 device provides a longer lifespan, improved resistance to damage, and the ability to adapt to curved surfaces without interfering with the seat covering, enhancing its reliability and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one capacitive sensor with interdigitated electrodes, capable of detecting the state of occupancy of the seat
Implementation Method 2
the flexible substrate is made of an elastic and impermeable material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an occupancy sensing device for detecting the occupancy of a seat of a vehicle, comprising: a flexible substrate having a first main face and a second main face opposite to the first main face, a capacitive sensor with interdigitated electrodes, capable of detecting the state of occupancy of the seat, conductive tracks connected to the capacitive sensor with interdigitated electrodes, the capacitive sensor with interdigitated electrodes and the conductive tracks being fixed on the first main face of the flexible substrate, wherein the flexible substrate is made of an elastic and impermeable material.