Seatback Pressure Sensor Control for Intuitive Angle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seat devices require manual adjustment of the inclination angle switch, which is not intuitive and often needs to be operated blindly, leading to unstable adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A seat device equipped with first and second pressure sensors on the seatback and a control unit that adjusts the seatback angle based on pressure values detected by these sensors, allowing users to intuitively adjust the seat position by applying pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual inclination angle adjustment switch is disposed at a lower portion of a side of a seat cushion, then the seat position can be adjusted, but the switch cannot be directly visually checked and the adjustment becomes non-intuitive and unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitiveness of seat position adjustmentVSAvoidswitch placement and operation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seatback itself serves as the adjustment interface. When the user applies pressure to the seatback, the pressure sensors detect the force and the control unit automatically adjusts the seatback angle accordingly, eliminating the need for a separate manual switch and making the adjustment intuitive and direct

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical switch operation is replaced with an automatic electronic control system that uses pressure sensors to detect user intent and automatically actuates the motor to adjust the seatback angle, converting a manual mechanical operation into an automated electromechanical system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the inclination angle adjustment switch is manually operated, then the seat position can be changed, but the occupant needs to grope for the switch and cannot visually check it, leading to unstable adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of seat position adjustmentVSAvoidvisual feedback during adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides immediate feedback by detecting the pressure applied to the seatback through pressure sensors. The control unit processes this feedback and automatically adjusts the seatback angle, ensuring stable and reliable adjustment without requiring visual feedback from the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If pressure sensors are attached to the seatback to detect pressure, then intuitive seat position adjustment is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitiveness of seat adjustmentVSAvoidnumber of sensors and control mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensors attached to the seatback serve multiple functions: they detect both the magnitude and direction of pressure applied by the user, enabling intuitive adjustment while also providing feedback for stable control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components

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

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

Enables users to easily and intuitively adjust the seat position without needing to visually check the switch, providing a more stable and user-friendly experience.

Implementation Method 1

a first pressure sensor attached to the seatback to detect pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

a second pressure sensor attached to the seatback at a position below the first pressure sensor to detect pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11299067B2Seat device
Publication Date: 2022.04.12 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • US11299067B2 patent drawing
  • US11299067B2 patent drawing
  • US11299067B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A first seat device includes a first pressure sensor attached to a seatback to detect pressure, a second pressure sensor attached to the seatback at a position below the first pressure sensor to detect pressure, and a control unit configured to control the angle of the seatback based on a value of the first pressure sensor and a value of the second pressure sensor.