Vehicle Seat Force-Sensor Kiosk for Pressure Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seats lack an effective method to determine a comfortable custom configuration for individual occupants, leading to potential discomfort and inefficiency in weight distribution.
Innovation Solution
A kiosk equipped with force sensors and electronic circuitry that measures and analyzes an occupant's weight distribution on a test seat, providing data to determine a customized seat configuration for improved comfort by evenly distributing weight and minimizing pressure points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a vehicle seat uses standardized configuration without customization, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but occupant comfort and weight distribution optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having occupants complete a questionnaire about their physical characteristics and preferences before the seat manufacturing process. This advance data collection allows the seat to be pre-configured with optimal parameters for each occupant, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms while maintaining high customization levels. The preliminary input data is stored and used to automatically configure the seat during assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If force sensors and customization systems are added to vehicle seats, then occupant comfort and weight distribution are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the seat system to automatically configure itself based on occupant input data without requiring complex external sensing or adjustment mechanisms. The electronic control system processes the questionnaire data and autonomously adjusts seat parameters such as cushion firmness, backrest angle, and lateral support, eliminating the need for intricate sensor arrays and manual intervention. This reduces device complexity while maintaining customization capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple moveable parts are included in vehicle seats for customization, then seat configuration flexibility is improved, but reliability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that acts on the seat structure. Instead of requiring multiple manual moveable parts and linkages for customization, the system uses electronic signals to control actuators that adjust seat parameters. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and potential failure points while maintaining full configurability through software-based control logic.
4Ease of operation
If automated motorized movement mechanisms are added to vehicle seats, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single electronic control system that performs multiple functions: processing questionnaire data, determining optimal seat configuration, controlling seat adjustments, and storing occupant profiles. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms for each seat adjustment function, reducing overall system complexity while providing automated operation. The same control unit manages all aspects of seat customization and adjustment.
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 solution allows for a tailored seat arrangement that enhances comfort by optimizing weight distribution and reducing pressure points, enabling easy implementation in vehicles for specific passengers.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of force sensors in respective locations along the cushion and the back
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for customizing a vehicle seat includes a seat having a cushion and a back coupled thereto and a plurality of force sensors in respective locations along the cushion and the back. The apparatus further includes electronic circuitry coupled with the plurality of sensors and programmed to associate forces sensed by ones of the plurality of force sensors with the respective locations thereof and to output the sensed forces and associated areas.