Vehicle Seatback Auto-Restoration Using Position-Triggered Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seatback adjustment systems in vehicles require manual operation and separate stages for sliding and reclining, posing safety risks as passengers may unintentionally activate the seatback deployment or folding, leading to injury.

Innovation Solution

A device with a seat position detection sensor and controller that automatically deploys the seatback to a predetermined angle when the seat reaches a predetermined position, ignoring unintended walk-in switch inputs to ensure safe and one-step operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual operation is used for seatback adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety and reliability deteriorate due to unintended activation risks

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of seat position using a seat position detection sensor before executing seatback deployment. The controller activates the seatback angle adjustment motor only when the seat reaches a predetermined position, preventing unintended activation during other operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring seat position through the seat position detection sensor and using this information to control the seatback deployment. The controller receives feedback signals from the sensor and automatically adjusts the seatback angle only when appropriate conditions are met.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If separate stages are used for sliding and reclining operations, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the sliding and reclining operations into a single automated sequence. When the seat is slid to a predetermined position, the controller automatically triggers the seatback deployment without requiring separate manual operations, thereby simplifying the user操作流程.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting seat position and executing seatback deployment without requiring additional user input. The controller monitors the seat position sensor and autonomously activates the motor to restore the seatback to its initial position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If automatic detection is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and controllers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seat position detection sensor serves multiple functions: it detects seat position for automatic seatback deployment, provides feedback for safety control, and enables the one-step operation mode. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that processes signals from the seat position detection sensor and controls the seatback angle adjustment motor. This centralized control architecture consolidates the complexity into a single control unit rather than distributing it across multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3822114B1Device and method for automatically restoring seatback
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3822114B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3822114B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3822114B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A device and a method for automatically restoring a seatback is provided in which a seatback is electrically deployed at a predetermined angle by being interlocked when a seat of a vehicle is moved to a predetermined position to facilitate a passenger to get into and out of the vehicle. The device includes a seat cushion, a seatback installed in the seat cushion to be adjustable in angle, a seat rail, and a seat track slidably installed in the seat rail. A seat position detection sensor detects a position of the seat track and a seat position detection member operates the seat position detection sensor. A seatback angle adjustment motor adjusts an angle of the seatback. When the seat position detection sensor detects that the seat track reaches a predetermined operating position, the seatback angle adjustment motor deploys the seatback.