Vibration Control Device Using Integer Frequency Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration control systems for vehicles struggle to effectively awaken users while minimizing discomfort, as stronger vibrations can lead to user discomfort and habituation.
Innovation Solution
A vibration control device that outputs a series of alternating signals with frequency ratios represented by predetermined integer ratios, specifically in the range of 40-120 Hz, to generate vibrations that effectively awaken users without causing discomfort, and includes a drowsiness detection system to tailor the vibration output based on user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stronger vibration stimulation is applied to awaken the user, then the awakening effect is increased, but user discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration control device applies periodic vibration signals with specific frequency ratios (integer ratios such as 1:2, 1:3, 2:3) to create a rhythm pattern that effectively awakens the user. The periodic nature of the vibration, combined with controlled pause periods between vibration sequences, provides sufficient stimulation to counteract drowsiness while avoiding continuous harsh vibration that would cause discomfort. The pause periods allow the user's body to partially recover between stimulation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes vibration parameters dynamically based on detected user state. When drowsiness is detected, the system adjusts vibration frequency, amplitude, and duration to optimize the awakening effect. The frequency is maintained within a specific range (40-120 Hz) that is effective for awakening without being excessively uncomfortable. The system also varies pause periods between vibration sequences to prevent habituation while maintaining effectiveness.
2Reliability
If continuous strong vibration is applied to maintain awakening effect, then the awakening effect is maintained, but user habituation occurs reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic vibration sequences separated by pause periods. This intermittent pattern prevents the user from adapting to continuous vibration, thereby avoiding habituation. The pause periods between vibration sequences create variability in the stimulation pattern, which maintains the user's sensitivity to the vibration signal over extended periods while still providing sufficient total stimulation to maintain awakening.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration control device dynamically adjusts vibration parameters including frequency, amplitude, and pause periods based on real-time feedback from drowsiness detection. This dynamic adaptation ensures the vibration pattern remains effective over time by preventing the user from predicting and adapting to a fixed pattern, thereby extending the duration of effectiveness without causing habituation.
3Reliability
If vibration frequency is increased to improve awakening effect, then the awakening effect is enhanced, but discomfort to user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes vibration frequency within a specific range (40-120 Hz) that balances awakening effectiveness with user comfort. Frequencies below 40 Hz may not provide sufficient stimulation for awakening, while frequencies above 120 Hz would cause excessive discomfort. The system also employs specific frequency ratios between multiple vibration sources to create a harmonious pattern that is effective yet comfortable for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration control device is provided which enables an awakening effect for a user to be increased while making it difficult to give discomfort to the user. A harmonic signal generating section of a vibration control device is configured to successively output a plurality of alternating signals for driving a vibration unit. By way of the plurality of alternating signals which is successively output and has a frequency ratio represented with a predetermined integer ratio, vibration generated with the plurality of alternating signals can more easily awaken a user while making it difficult to give discomfort to the user.