Vehicle Seat Vibration Targeting Tendons to Suppress Driver Drowsiness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stimulus imparting devices for drivers, such as those using electric seat vibrations or airbag-induced pressure, are insufficient in effectively eliminating drowsiness as they do not target the most effective muscle groups for awakening.
Innovation Solution
A stimulus imparting device with first and second vibration devices positioned to face the tendon portions of musculus latissimus dorsi and musculus gluteus medius, respectively, and a control device to drive these devices, using specific frequency and duration patterns to stimulate these areas effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vibration stimulus is imparted to the electric seat or general muscle groups, then the driver receives a warning and some awakening effect is achieved, but the drowsiness cannot be sufficiently eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically positioning vibration stimulus imparting portions to contact tendon portions of the musculus latissimus dorsi and musculus gluteus medius, rather than providing general vibration to the entire seat. This localized targeting of specific anatomical structures with high awakening sensitivity resolves the contradiction by concentrating the stimulus effect on key muscle groups, thereby achieving sufficient drowsiness elimination without requiring complex multi-point stimulation systems.
2Reliability
If airbag expands to impart pressure sensitive stimulus to spinal erectors, then the driver receives an awakening stimulus, but the stimulus portions may not be appropriate and drowsiness cannot be sufficiently eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves upon the airbag approach by using vibration stimulus imparting portions that specifically contact the tendon portions of the musculus latissimus dorsi and musculus gluteus medius. This localized vibration approach targets muscle groups with high awakening sensitivity more effectively than general spinal erector stimulation, achieving reliable drowsiness elimination while using a simpler vibration mechanism rather than complex pressure control systems.
3Reliability
If vibration stimulus is imparted to tendon portions of musculus latissimus dorsi and musculus gluteus medius, then high awakening effect is achieved and drowsiness is effectively eliminated, but the device requires precise positioning and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high awakening effectiveness by concentrating vibration stimulus on the tendon portions of the musculus latissimus dorsi and musculus gluteus medius. The controller coordinates the vibration stimulus imparting portions to contact these specific anatomical locations, leveraging the high sensitivity of tendon portions to vibration stimuli. This focused approach achieves reliable drowsiness elimination with a relatively simple positioning system compared to comprehensive multi-sensory stimulation devices.
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 device effectively maintains a high awakening effect by targeting the musculus latissimus dorsi and musculus gluteus medius, suppressing drowsiness and eliminating sleepiness more effectively than other muscle groups, as demonstrated by experimental results.
Implementation Method 1
a first vibration device provided at the chair to be positioned to face to a tendon portion of musculus latissimus dorsi of a user when the user is seated on the chair for imparting a stimulus to tendon portion of musculus latissimus dorsi
Data Source
AI summary
A stimulus imparting device is provided with at least one of a first vibration device and a second vibration device, the first vibration device being provided to a vehicle seat (chair) where a driver (user) sits on and imparting a stimulus to a tendon part of the latissimus dorsi muscle of the driver, the second vibration device being provided to the vehicle seat and imparting a stimulus to a tendon part of the gluteus medius of the driver and a control device provided with a drive control unit for imparting a stimulus to the driver by performing drive control for at least one of the first vibration device and the second vibration device.