Vehicle Seat Rocking Control for Occupant Relaxation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems do not adequately support relaxation or sleep for occupants, particularly during autonomous driving where the need for comfort and rest is heightened.
Innovation Solution
A seat adjustment system that includes a seat controller capable of receiving a relaxation request from the occupant, specifying a movement sequence for a rocking motion, and actuating this sequence through integrated seat motion actuators or the vehicle's active suspension system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional relaxation comfort seat is equipped with a mechanism for realizing a relaxation comfort mode, then the occupant can take a relaxed comfortable posture, but the vehicle is not adapted for creating an optimal relaxation or sleeping environment during autonomous driving
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is transformed from a static relaxation mechanism to a dynamic system that generates rocking motions through integrated actuators. The sitting portion moves back and forth according to a specified sequence, creating a dynamic relaxation environment suitable for autonomous driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it provides both conventional relaxation comfort mode and a new rocking motion mode specifically adapted for autonomous driving. The same seat structure serves different relaxation needs based on driving conditions.
2Ease of operation
If seat motion actuators are integrated in or attached to the vehicle seat to generate rocking motion, then relaxation during autonomous driving is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relaxation actuation mechanism is merged with the existing seat structure. The actuators are integrated in or attached to the vehicle seat, combining the relaxation function with the seat's structural elements rather than adding completely separate systems.
3Ease of operation
If the active suspension system is used to move the seat for rocking motion, then relaxation is enhanced, but the loss of energy for suspension system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active suspension system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it continues to provide suspension functionality while also being capable of generating rocking motions for relaxation purposes. The same system serves both vehicle comfort and occupant relaxation needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and seat adjustment system for supporting relaxation of an occupant sitting on a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle. A method for supporting relaxation of an occupant, in particular a driver, sitting on a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle comprises receiving a request for relaxation from the vehicle occupant by a seat controller of the motor vehicle; and moving at least a sitting portion of the vehicle seat back and forth according to a movement sequence specified by the seat controller defining a rocking motion for the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat, wherein the movement sequence is actuated by the seat controller via at least one of: at least one seat motion actuator integrated in or attached to the vehicle seat or an active suspension system of the motor vehicle.