Vehicle Seat Assembly with Planar Sensor Array for Multi-Axis Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seat and head restraint systems lack efficient and intuitive mechanisms for multi-axis adjustment, limiting ergonomic support and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat assembly with a planar sensor array and actuators that allow for 22-way adjustment along multiple paths, controlled by a controller responsive to sliding inputs on the sensor array, enabling precise movement of the seat and head restraint along various axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional adjustment mechanisms are used, then the system is simple to manufacture, but the ease of operation and ergonomic support are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a sensor array and controller system that detects sliding inputs and automatically actuates seat and head restraint positioning, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustments while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the sensor array automatically detects user intent through sliding gestures and independently controls the actuators to adjust seat and head restraint positions without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical interfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-axis adjustment capabilities are added, then ergonomic support is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array serves multiple functions by detecting different sliding inputs to control both seat position and head restraint position, while the controller integrates the control logic for multiple adjustment axes, reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control functions for seat adjustment and head restraint adjustment into a single integrated system with unified sensor input processing and coordinated actuator control, simplifying the overall architecture while providing comprehensive multi-axis adjustment capabilities
3Measurement precision
If precise positioning is achieved through sensor arrays, then measurement precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves precise position detection by monitoring changes in sensor activation patterns across the sensor array as the seat or head restraint moves, translating physical position into detectable electrical signal changes without requiring complex manufacturing
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat assembly has a vehicle seat with a seat base and a seat back. The vehicle seat has at least one actuator configured to move one of the seat back and seat base along a path between a first position and a second position. A sensor has a generally planar surface defining a sensing area. A controller is in communication with the actuator and the sensor. The controller is configured to, in response to receiving a sliding input on the sensing area, control the at least one actuator to move the one of the seat back and seat base along the path.