Seat Sensor Module Nesting for Physiological Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilated vehicle seats lack an effective and aesthetically pleasing method to accurately measure the physiological condition of occupants for optimal comfort and energy efficiency, as manual control settings may not always be optimal and existing sensor mounting methods are not adequately protected from mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module with a temperature and/or humidity sensor integrated into the seat assembly, specifically mounted below the air-permeable cover to reflect occupant physiological conditions with short response times, protected from mechanical stress and view, using a separate sensor support and air-permeable protective membrane, and optionally including a microcontroller for wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the sensor is mounted directly on the seat surface, then the response time for detecting physiological conditions is reduced, but the sensor is exposed to mechanical stress and visible to occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the sensor from a two-dimensional surface mounting to a three-dimensional position within the seat cushion volume. The sensor is embedded at a depth of 5-20mm below the seat surface, transitioning from surface-level exposure to internal positioning, which simultaneously achieves fast response (close to surface) and protection (within cushion structure).
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is nested within the multi-layer seat cushion structure, specifically positioned between the comfort layer and support layer. This nesting approach places the sensor inside the existing seat construction, protecting it from mechanical stress while maintaining proximity to the occupant for accurate physiological detection.
2Shape
If the sensor is mounted below the air-permeable cover, then the aesthetic appearance is maintained and sensor is protected from view, but the mechanical stress protection may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within the multi-layer seat cushion structure, specifically positioned between the comfort layer and support layer. This nesting approach places the sensor inside the existing seat construction, protecting it from mechanical stress while maintaining proximity to the occupant for accurate physiological detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat cushion utilizes composite material layers (comfort layer, support layer, air-permeable cover) to provide both aesthetic appearance and mechanical protection. The combination of these materials creates a protective environment for the embedded sensor while maintaining the desired visual appearance from the occupant's perspective.
3Ease of operation
If manual control settings are used for ventilated seats, then the system is simple to operate, but the comfort and energy efficiency are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor occupant physiological conditions (temperature, humidity) and automatically adjust ventilation settings. This closed-loop system eliminates the need for manual control while optimizing energy consumption by adjusting air flow based on actual occupant needs rather than fixed preset levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilated seat system performs self-adjustment by automatically sensing and responding to occupant physiological conditions. The system serves itself by using sensor data to autonomously optimize ventilation parameters, eliminating the need for user intervention while maintaining optimal comfort and energy efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If the sensor is exposed to the occupant contact area, then the physiological measurements are accurate, but the sensor is visible and may cause tactile disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the sensor from a two-dimensional surface mounting to a three-dimensional position within the seat cushion volume. The sensor is embedded at a depth of 5-20mm below the seat surface, transitioning from surface-level exposure to internal positioning, which simultaneously achieves fast response (close to surface) and protection (within cushion structure).
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 sensor module provides accurate and efficient physiological data for automated climate control, minimizing tactile disturbances and energy consumption by integrating sensors in a way that protects them from mechanical stress and maintains the seat's aesthetic appearance.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor module with a temperature and/or humidity sensor integrated into the seat assembly
Implementation Method 2
A sensor module with a temperature and/or humidity sensor integrated into the seat assembly
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the seat bottom and the backrest comprises an air-permeable cover and a support layer
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor module for integration within a seat assembly is provided. The sensor module comprises a temperature and/or humidity sensor (21) and a separate sensor support (51) for mechanically supporting said temperature and/or humidity sensor. The sensor support is configured to be arranged on or in a support layer below an air-permeable cover of the seat assembly.