Vehicle Seat Track Comfort Analysis With CAD Mannequin Modeling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tools for assessing vehicle occupant comfort are complex, inaccurate, and difficult to customize, making it challenging to evaluate the comfortability of a vehicle occupant's driving posture effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes a fully articulated customizable mannequin system to generate a CAD template with vehicle reference geometry and comfort guidelines, automatically determining comfortable seating positions by digitizing the seat track with tabulated points and providing an interactive graphical user interface for customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional tools are used to assess vehicle occupant comfort, then the assessment can be performed, but the process becomes complex, inaccurate, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the human body using a CAD mannequin model that replicates human anatomy and biomechanics. This digital twin allows for accurate comfort assessment without requiring physical testing, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing tool complexity and time requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement tools and physical testing procedures with computer-based simulation systems. The CAD software automatically calculates joint angles and comfort metrics through algorithms, eliminating the need for cumbersome mechanical apparatus and manual measurement processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tools are used for comfort assessment, then the basic function is achieved, but customization for different vehicle environments and occupant populations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameters in the CAD mannequin model that can be adjusted to represent different occupant populations (e.g., various percentile heights, weights, and body proportions). The system allows real-time modification of vehicle geometry and comfort criteria to adapt to different vehicle types and design requirements, making the system highly versatile and easy to customize
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal CAD-based comfort assessment system that can evaluate multiple occupant populations and vehicle configurations through a single platform. The standardized interface and parametric models allow the same tool to be applied across different vehicle environments without requiring separate specialized systems for each application
3Measurement precision
If detailed comfort analysis is performed for multiple seat positions, then accurate comfort determination is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures the CAD mannequin model with anatomical data, joint angle limits, and comfort criteria before the actual analysis. This preliminary setup allows the system to rapidly evaluate multiple seat positions by simply changing the mannequin's position parameters, eliminating the need for repeated detailed configurations and significantly reducing analysis time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated continuous analysis that systematically evaluates comfort across multiple seat positions without interruption. The computer-based system continuously calculates joint angles and comfort metrics as the virtual mannequin moves through different positions, providing comprehensive results in a single uninterrupted process rather than requiring separate manual assessments for each position
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of analyzing postural comfort of an occupant seated on a seat track of a vehicle includes obtaining, at a computing device having one or more processors, a first set of data corresponding to a mannequin definition, obtaining, at the computing device, a second set of data corresponding to reference geometry of an environment of the vehicle, and obtaining, at the computing device, a third set of data corresponding to vehicle occupant comfort guidelines. Including generating, at the computing device, a CAD template with a mannequin model, vehicle reference geometry including the seat track, and comfort guidelines based on the first set of data, the second set of data, and the third set of data, and automatically determining, at the computing device, whether one or more locations on the seat track are a comfortable seating position for the occupant based at least on the third set of data.