Vehicle Seat Occupancy Detection via Spring-Frame Contact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats that detect occupancy states are often complex and costly, requiring additional sensors, which can increase manufacturing and assembly complexity and costs, while also potentially compromising seating comfort.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design that utilizes an electrically conductive structural frame and cushion-supporting springs, where the springs are insulated from the frame, allowing electrical contact only when a predefined threshold force is applied, enabling occupancy detection without additional sensors, using a detection device connected to the frame and springs to signal occupancy through electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional pressure or proximity sensors are installed to detect occupancy state, then occupancy detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion-supporting spring serves dual functions: mechanically supporting the cushion and acting as an electrical conductor for occupancy detection. The structural frame similarly provides both structural support and electrical connection pathways, eliminating the need for dedicated sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing mechanical components (spring and frame) perform the detection function themselves through their inherent electrical conductivity and mechanical response to load, without requiring separate sensing elements or additional active components.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed for occupancy detection, then occupancy detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring and frame components perform both their original mechanical functions and the new electrical detection function, eliminating the need to manufacture and install separate sensor components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is merged with the existing mechanical support structure. The spring and frame are combined to form both a mechanical support system and an electrical detection circuit, reducing the total number of components and assembly steps.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed for occupancy detection, then occupancy detection capability is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is integrated into the existing mechanical assembly process. The spring is hooked onto the frame during normal assembly, and this same connection simultaneously establishes the electrical detection circuit, eliminating separate sensor installation steps.
4Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed for occupancy detection, then occupancy detection capability is improved, but seating comfort may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The existing spring and frame components perform the detection function without requiring additional elements that could interfere with cushion comfort. The detection capability is derived from the inherent mechanical and electrical properties of the support structure itself.
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
This design simplifies seat construction, reduces costs, and maintains seating comfort by leveraging existing seat components to detect occupancy, eliminating the need for additional sensors and allowing for adjustable threshold forces based on specific occupancy types.
Implementation Method 1
The cushion-supporting spring and the structural frame are disposed in such a way that they are brought in electrical contact with each other when a force is applied on the cushion that exceeds a predefined threshold force
Data Source
AI summary
A seat (10) configured for detecting an occupancy state comprises an at least partially electrically conductive structural frame (14) comprising at least two fixation sites (22, 24) and an at least partially electrically conductive cushion-supporting spring (20) taut between the fixation sites. The cushion-supporting spring is electrically insulated from the structural frame. The seat comprises a cushion (16) supported by the cushion-supporting spring. The cushion-supporting spring and the structural frame are disposed in such a way that they are brought in electrical contact with each other when a force (34) is applied on the cushion that exceeds a predefined threshold force.