Touchscreen Matrix Interface for Vehicle Seat Massage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat massage systems with smaller inflatable bladders lack an intuitive interface for users to customize and program varied massage sequences effectively, limiting the potential for personalized massage experiences.
Innovation Solution
A massage system featuring a touchscreen interface that displays a matrix image of inflatable bladders, allowing users to input desired massage sequences through touch inputs, which are interpreted and implemented by a controller to selectively inflate and deflate the bladders, simulating various massage patterns and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If smaller bladders are used for dedicated massage, then massage versatility and customization capability are improved, but interface complexity for programming custom massage sequences increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a visual matrix display on the touchscreen that copies the physical arrangement of bladders, allowing users to see and select bladder positions directly corresponding to their physical locations. This visual representation simplifies the programming process by providing an intuitive map of the massage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The touchscreen interface acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex bladder control system. It provides a simplified interaction layer where users can draw patterns or select positions visually, and the system automatically translates these inputs into the appropriate bladder inflation sequences.
2Manufacturing precision
If smaller bladders are used for dedicated massage, then massage precision and shape variation are improved, but ease of operation for programming custom sequences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the control interface by displaying a matrix representation of bladders on the touchscreen. This allows users to interact with the system in two dimensions (visual selection) rather than dealing with complex sequential programming, making precision massage customization accessible to non-technical users.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual matrix on the touchscreen copies the physical bladder arrangement, allowing users to directly select or draw on the visual representation to program massage sequences. This copying approach eliminates the need for users to understand complex programming logic while maintaining precise control over individual bladder positions.
3Strength
If large bladders are used for seat adjustment, then structural support is improved, but massage effectiveness and area coverage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the massage function into multiple smaller, independently controllable bladders arranged in a matrix. This segmentation allows different regions to be activated independently, enabling precise targeting of specific muscle groups and areas, thereby improving both massage effectiveness and area coverage without compromising the structural support function of the seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different regions of the seat to have different bladder configurations and massage characteristics. Each bladder or group of bladders can be controlled independently with different inflation patterns, pressures, and sequences, enabling customized massage for different body zones while maintaining overall structural integrity.
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 customize and implement personalized massage sequences, enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of the massage experience by simulating different massage patterns and shapes through selective inflation and deflation of bladders.
Implementation Method 1
an interface including a touchscreen. The system further includes a controller displaying an image of the matrix on the touchscreen, receiving a touch input from the touchscreen
Data Source
AI summary
A massage system includes a seat having a first surface, a first massage assembly beneath the first surface and including a first matrix of inflatable bladders, and an interface including a touchscreen. The system further includes a controller displaying an image of the matrix on the touchscreen, receiving a touch input from the touchscreen, interpreting the touch input as an indication of a desired massage sequence, and causing the first massage assembly to implement the desired massage sequence.