Wireless Vehicle Seat Localization for Removable Seat Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle seat monitoring systems face challenges in accurately detecting the location and occupancy of removable and interchangeable seats, especially those not easily connected to the vehicle's 12V supply, and in integrating with existing technologies like passive entry passive start (PEPS) systems.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of wireless, independently powered detection systems that use wireless signals to identify seat locations and attributes, such as occupancy and seat belt engagement, and communicate this information to the vehicle's components, potentially integrating with existing PEPS systems and using existing antennas like LF or UWB for location determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wireless, independently powered detection systems are implemented to monitor removable and interchangeable seats, then the ability to detect seat location and occupancy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat location detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/wired connection systems with wireless detection systems. The seat monitoring system uses wireless communication protocols to transmit data between seat sensors and the vehicle's control unit, eliminating the need for physical wiring connections to the 12V power supply. This substitution enables monitoring of removable seats while reducing installation complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system is designed to be independently powered, with each seat unit containing its own power source (such as a battery) and detection components. This self-service capability allows the seat monitoring to function autonomously without requiring connection to the vehicle's electrical system, enabling easy installation and removal of seats while maintaining monitoring functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If wireless signal transmission is used for seat monitoring, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of detection may deteriorate due to signal interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs intermediate components such as wireless transceivers and signal processing units that mediate between the seat sensors and the vehicle's control system. These intermediaries handle signal conditioning, error correction, and protocol management to ensure reliable communication despite the wireless nature of the system, maintaining detection accuracy while preserving installation ease.

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

These systems provide accurate and efficient monitoring of vehicle seats across the vehicle's life without requiring servicing, reducing costs by leveraging existing technology and ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a first vehicle wireless signal transmitter... transmitting... wireless signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4055841B1Systems and methods for monitoring or detecting vehicle seat location
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 MARQUARDT GMBH
  • EP4055841B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4055841B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4055841B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Vehicle seat information detection systems, comprising a vehicle wireless signal transmitter(s) attached to a vehicle, seat receptacles attached to the vehicle, a vehicle seat system(s) (each comprising a seat, an antenna and a wireless transmitter) and a calculation element configured to conjecture as to which seat receptacle each seat system is engaged, based at least on conjecture as to a distance (or respective distances) between the vehicle wireless signal transmitter(s) and the seat system antenna(s). Methods of obtaining information regarding one or more vehicle seats, comprising transmitting from a first vehicle wireless signal transmitter (or transmitters) at least a first wireless signal. Calculation elements configured to conjecture as to a location of at least a seat system antenna, based on conjectured distance(s) between a vehicle wireless signal transmitter (or transmitters) and a seat system antenna (or antennas). Vehicle seat information detection systems, vehicle seat systems, non-transitory computer-readable media, and processors.