Adjustable Seat Assembly with Sensor-Based Posture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat assemblies lack the ability to automatically adjust to provide optimal comfort, posture, and wellness for occupants, relying on manual adjustments that may not ensure even seating and adequate thoracic support, leading to potential fatigue and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with sensors and actuators connected to a controller and user interface that automatically adjusts the seating position based on detected data, using air bladders and pressure sensors to balance the occupant's seating for comfort and wellness, integrating anthropometry and biomechanical data for personalized settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of seat assembly is used, then device complexity is reduced, but seating evenness and comfort are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly automatically adjusts itself using sensors to detect occupant position and actuators to modify cushion and backrest positions, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while achieving optimal seating evenness and comfort
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor occupant seating position and provide feedback to the controller, which adjusts the seat components via actuators to maintain optimal seating evenness and comfort levels
2Ease of operation
If sensors and actuators are added for automatic adjustment, then seating comfort and posture support are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly automatically adjusts itself using sensors to detect occupant position and actuators to modify cushion and backrest positions, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while achieving optimal seating evenness and comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The controller integrates multiple functions including sensor data processing, actuator control, and user interface management into a single unit, reducing overall system complexity despite adding sensors and actuators
3Manufacturing precision
If automatic adjustment system is implemented, then seating evenness and thoracic support are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is divided into independently adjustable segments including the cushion and backrest, each equipped with sensors and actuators that can be manufactured and assembled separately, facilitating modular production and cost management
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 system effectively adjusts the seat to provide optimal comfort and posture by balancing air pressure in the bladders, reducing fatigue and improving seating evenness, allowing for customizable settings through a user interface and remote access, enhancing user experience across various applications.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of sensors operably connected to at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back to detect a seating position of an occupant
Implementation Method 2
The system effectively adjusts the seat to provide optimal comfort and posture by balancing air pressure in the bladders
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly is provided with a seat cushion, and a seat back. Sensors are operably connected to the seat cushion and the seat back to detect a seating position of an occupant. An actuator is operably connected to the seat cushion and the seat back for adjustment of a plurality of settings of the seat assembly. An interactive user interface permits manual adjustment of the actuator. A controller is in electrical communication with the plurality of sensors, the at least one actuator, and the user interface. The controller is configured to receive seating position data input indicative of a manually selected seating position. Detection data is received from the plurality of sensors, and compared to the manually selected seating position to determine if the occupant is seated evenly. The at least one actuator adjusts an occupant seating position to the manually selected seating position.