Sensor-Guided Seat Positioning for Automatic Comfort Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat adjustment mechanisms require manual user intervention, which can be tedious and may cause discomfort or injury, and do not account for individual differences in body features or seating posture.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with distance sensors operating in the megahertz range measures distances from the seat's front and rear surfaces to the user's calf and obstacles, respectively, coupled with a controller that automatically adjusts the seat based on these measurements and preset parameters to optimize seating comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is used, then the user can adjust the seat based on physical conditions, but the adjustment process is tedious and requires multiple attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The seat automatically adjusts itself based on sensor-detected user physique data without requiring manual operation. The control unit processes calf diameter measurements and autonomously positions the seat, eliminating the need for users to manually try multiple positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated system using sensors (ultrasonic or optical), a control unit, and an actuator. This substitutes the purely mechanical manual adjustment process with an electromechanical automated system that measures and adjusts based on detected parameters.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is used, then the user can find suitable position, but multiple attempts may cause discomfort or injury to others
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the user's calf diameter before adjustment, and pre-calculates the appropriate seat position using the formula. This preliminary action ensures the seat is adjusted correctly on the first attempt, preventing harmful movements that could affect others.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system continuously monitors the user's physique parameters and provides feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the seat position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate positioning without trial-and-error adjustments that could harm others.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment is used, then the user can adjust seat parameters, but it does not account for individual differences in body features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ultrasonic or optical sensors to precisely measure the user's calf diameter, replacing imprecise manual estimation. The control unit processes these precise measurements and calculates the optimal seat position based on individual physique, achieving both adaptability and measurement precision.
4Productivity
If automatic adjustment is implemented, then the seat can adjust instantly and comprehensively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that processes sensor data and translates it into actuator commands. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic, allowing instant and comprehensive adjustment while managing device complexity through modular design.
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 system provides automatic and precise seat adjustments that accommodate individual physique and posture, enhancing comfort and reducing the risk of discomfort or injury.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor system with distance sensors operating in the megahertz range measures distances from the seat's front and rear surfaces to the user's calf and obstacles, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting a seat is provided. The method includes obtaining, through a sensor system, a first distance starting from a front surface of a seat pan of the seat to a first point sensible by the sensor system and a second distance starting from a rear surface of a seat back of the seat to a second point sensible by the sensor system; and adjusting the seat forward or backward according to the first distance and the second distance through a seat adjustment mechanism. In addition, a system and a controller employing this method are also provided.