Touchscreen Seat Control Device for Compact Actuator Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat control systems require multiple mechanical actuators to achieve various adjustments, leading to complexity and lack of compactness.

Innovation Solution

A touch screen-based seat control device that displays control panels in a fixed order, allowing users to switch between panels with a single input and adjust parameters using distinct input methods, such as wiping and typing movements, with an optional activation button for preventing unintended operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mechanical actuators are used to cover various seat adjustment options, then the seat adjustment functionality is comprehensive, but the device complexity increases and compactness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat adjustment functionalityVSAvoidnumber of actuators
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch screen control device serves multiple seat adjustment functions through a single interface. The control device displays multiple control panels for different adjustment options (seat height, cushioning, longitudinal adjustment, backrest tilt, seat tilt) and uses a single actuator system to execute all adjustment commands, replacing the need for multiple dedicated mechanical actuators.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators with a touch screen-based electronic control system. The control device detects user inputs through touch gestures (wiping movements for panel switching, typing movements for parameter adjustment) and transmits electronic signals to control the seat adjustments, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuation mechanisms.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mechanical actuators are used to cover various seat adjustment options, then the seat adjustment functionality is comprehensive, but the compactness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat adjustment functionalityVSAvoidcompactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate control functions into a single integrated touch screen control device. All seat adjustment controls (height, cushioning, longitudinal position, backrest angle, seat tilt) are combined in one interface, allowing comprehensive functionality while maintaining a compact form factor that can be mounted on the seat without requiring space for multiple separate actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If control panels are displayed in a fixed order on the touch screen, then the ease of operation is improved through predictable navigation, but the adaptability to user preferences is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredictable navigationVSAvoidcustomization to user preferences
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control panels are arranged in a fixed sequential order that provides predictable navigation through wiping movements, but the system allows the fixed order to be changed before use according to user needs. This dynamic configuration enables the interface to adapt to different user preferences while maintaining the benefits of fixed-order navigation during actual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3594052B1Vehicle seat with seat control device
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 GRAMMER AG
  • EP3594052B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3594052B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3594052B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

Vehicle seat (1) with a seat control device (2), wherein the seat control device (2) has a touchscreen (3) for displaying control panels (4) for setting a value of an operating parameter assigned to the respective control panel and for recording user inputs (5, 6), wherein it is possible to switch between control panels (4) by means of at least one first user input (5), wherein the control panels (4) are arranged in a fixed sequence, wherein a single control panel (4) is displayed by the touchscreen (3) at any given time and the value of the operating parameter can be changed by at least one second user input (6) of the control panel (4).