Vehicle Console Electrical Contact Detection for Safe Seat Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle console identification systems are costly and unreliable, lacking a simple and effective method for detecting vehicle consoles in motor vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle console system utilizing guide rails and extendable contact elements for electrical contact, allowing for reliable recognition of vehicle consoles regardless of installation direction, with a control unit that monitors the position and function of consoles, enabling safe operation and efficient power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless detection systems are used for vehicle console recognition, then detection capability is provided, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle console recognition reliabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex wireless detection systems with a simple electrical contact-based detection system. The control unit detects the presence of a vehicle console through electrical contacts that establish connection when the console is properly installed, eliminating the need for expensive and complex wireless sensors, transponders, or inductive detection systems while maintaining reliable detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simple, inexpensive electrical contacts instead of expensive wireless detection components. The electrical contact system consists of basic conductive elements that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the vehicle floor and console structure, significantly reducing system cost while providing sufficient detection functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If electrical contacts are made during console installation, then reliable detection is achieved, but contact elements must be protected from mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsole detection reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical stress on contact surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrical contact system into separate, protected contact elements. The first electrical contact surface is integrated into the console structure while the second electrical contact surface is positioned in the vehicle floor, with the electrical connection established through a controlled path that protects the contacts from direct mechanical stress during console movement and installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary electrical connection path between the first and second electrical contact surfaces. This intermediary connection mechanism allows electrical detection to occur while protecting the actual contact surfaces from mechanical stress, as the contacts are not directly exposed to the forces involved in console installation and movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 a cost-effective and reliable means to detect and manage vehicle consoles, ensuring safe operation by preventing airbag malfunctions and optimizing power usage, thereby enhancing passenger safety and reducing the risk of electrical issues.

Implementation Method 1

Registration of a vehicle console in one of the at least two fastening areas, namely in the electrically contacted fastening area, is carried out by the control unit by means of an electrical contact between the at least one first electrical contact surface and the at least one second electrical contact surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical contact: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4045355B1Vehicle console system and motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.01.29 VOLKSWAGEN AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle console system (10) for an interior (2) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein the vehicle console system (10) has: a) at least one vehicle seat (20) and/or a vehicle table console (30) as at least one vehicle console (20, 30), wherein the at least one vehicle console (20, 30) has at least one locking element (32) and at least one first electrical contact surface (35); (b) at least one fastening apparatus (40) which is designed to fasten the at least one vehicle console (20, 30) to the fastening apparatus (40) so as to correspond to the at least one locking element (32), wherein the fastening apparatus (40) has two fastening regions to which the at least one vehicle console (20, 30) can be locked by means of the at least one locking element (32), and wherein the fastening apparatus (40) has, at an electrically contacted fastening region of the two fastening regions, an at least second electrical contact surface (42) corresponding to the first electrical contact surface (35); and (c) a control device (11) that is electrically connected to the at least one second electrical contact surface (42) and is configured to register the electrical contact between the at least one first electrical contact surface (35) and the at least second electrical contact surface (42) and to output an instruction. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle (1) having such a vehicle console system (10).