U.S. patent application number 11/888707 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-20 for vehicle seat with vibration monitoring ability.
Invention is credited to Cole T. Brodersen, L. John Koutsky, William Tuman.
Application Number | 20070290825 11/888707 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33131548 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070290825 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koutsky; L. John ; et
al. |
December 20, 2007 |
Vehicle seat with vibration monitoring ability
Abstract
The present invention concerns a system for measuring the
vibration an operator of a piece of the equipment encounters while
operating the equipment. The system includes at least one motion
measuring means, such as an accelerometer. The accelerometer may be
affixed to the equipment or integrated into the equipment. In
addition, motion data recording equipment that is in electrical
communication with the accelerometer may also be provided. An alarm
may be used to indicate that a preset limit has been or is about to
be exceeded.
Inventors: |
Koutsky; L. John; (Milan,
IL) ; Brodersen; Cole T.; (Devenport, IA) ;
Tuman; William; (Colona, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Niro, Scavone, Haller & Niro;Suite 4600
181 W. Madison
Chicago
IL
60602
US
|
Family ID: |
33131548 |
Appl. No.: |
11/888707 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10445729 |
May 27, 2003 |
7256686 |
|
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11888707 |
Aug 2, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/438 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/0244 20130101;
B60N 2/50 20130101; B60N 2002/0272 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/438 |
International
Class: |
B60Q 1/00 20060101
B60Q001/00 |
Claims
1. A system for measuring motion encountered by an occupant of a
vehicle comprising: a seat having an outer surface; a backrest
having an outer surface; at least one motion measuring means for
generating data indicative of motion encountered by an operator; a
processor means in communication with said motion measuring means,
said processor means formats generated data into recordable data;
and a data storage means for storing motion related data.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said motion measuring means is an
accelerometer.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said processor means further
permits operation of the vehicle only upon recognizing an
authorized operator.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said data storage means is
portable.
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising an alarm device which
is activated in response to a signal indicating that a preset limit
has been exceeded.
6. The system of claim 1 further comprising one or more armrests
having mounted therein a motion measuring means for generating data
indicative of motion encountered by an operator.
7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a transmitter for
receiving motion data from said motion measuring means and
transmitting said data to a remote receiving station.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the x-axis.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the y-axis.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the z-axis.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the x and y-axes.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the x, y and z-axes.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein said portable data storage means
uses random access memory to store data.
14. The system of claim 4 wherein the data storage means is a
magnetic card.
15. The system of claim 4 and said data storage means is an optical
card.
16. The system claim 4 wherein said data storage means uses at
least one memory chip to store data.
17. The system of claim 4 wherein said data storage means is a
disk.
18. The system of claim 4 wherein said processor means and data
storage means is an integrated circuit microprocessor card.
19. The system of claim 4 wherein said data storage means is an
integrated circuit memory card.
20. The system of claim 4 wherein said data storage means is an
optical memory card.
21. A system for measuring motion encountered by an operator of
moving equipment comprising: at least one motion measuring means
for generating data indicative of motion encountered by an
operator; a processor means in communication with said motion
measuring means, said processor means formats generated data into
recordable data; and a data storage means for storing motion
related data.
22. The system of claim 21 further including additional motion
measuring means and processor means in association with additional
pieces of equipment, and a portable data storage means that is
personal to an operator and operable with said additional processor
means on said additional equipment.
23. The system of claim 21 wherein said motion measuring means is
an accelerometer.
24. The system of claim 21 wherein said processor means further
permits operation of the equipment only upon recognizing an
authorized operator.
25. The system of claim 21 wherein said motion measuring means is
located under the outer surface of the equipment.
26. The system of claim 21 further comprising an alarm device which
is activated in response to a signal indicating that a preset limit
has been exceeded.
27. The system of claim 21 further comprising a vehicle seat having
mounted therein a motion measuring means for generating data
indicative of motion encountered by an operator.
28. The and system of claim 21 further comprising a transmitter for
receiving motion data from said motion measuring means and
transmitting said data to a remote receiving station.
29. The system of claim 21 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the x-axis.
30. The system of claim 21 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the y-axis.
31. The system of claim 21 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the z-axis.
32. The system of claim 21 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the x and y-axes.
33. The system of claim 21 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the x, y and z-axes.
34. The system of claim 21 wherein said portable data storage means
uses random access memory to store data.
35. The system of claim 21 wherein said portable data storage means
is a magnetic card.
36. The system of claim 21 and said portable data storage means is
an optical card.
37. The system claim 21 wherein said portable data storage means
uses at least one memory chip to store data.
38. The system of claim 21 wherein said portable data storage means
is a disk.
39. The system of claim 21 wherein said processor means and said
portable data storage means is an integrated circuit microprocessor
card.
40. The system of claim 21 wherein said portable data storage means
is an integrated circuit memory card.
41. The system of claim 21 wherein said portable data storage means
is an optical memory card.
42. A system for measuring motion created by a plurality of
equipment which are operated by at least one operator comprising:
providing at least one motion measuring means for generating data
indicative of motion encountered by an operator for each piece of
equipment; providing for each piece of equipment a processor means
in communication with said motion measuring means, said processor
means formats generated data into recordable data; and a portable
data storage means that is associated with each operator for
storing motion related data.
43. The system of claim 42 wherein said motion measuring means is
an accelerometer.
44. The system of claim 42 wherein said processor means further
permits operation of the vehicle only upon recognizing an
authorized operator.
45. The system of claim 42 wherein said motion measuring means is
located under the outer surface of the equipment.
46. The system of claim 42 further comprising an alarm device which
is activated in response to a signal indicating that a preset limit
has been exceeded.
47. The system of claim 42 further comprising a vehicle seat having
mounted therein a motion measuring means for generating data
indicative of motion encountered by an operator.
48. The and system of claim 42 further comprising a transmitter for
receiving motion data from said motion measuring means and
transmitting said data to a remote receiving station.
49. The system of claim 42 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the x-axis.
50. The system of claim 42 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the y-axis.
51. The system of claim 42 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the z-axis.
52. The system of claim 42 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the x and y-axes.
53. The system of claim 42 wherein said motion measuring means
measures motion in the direction of the x, y and z-axes.
54. The system of claim 42 wherein said portable data storage means
uses random access memory to store data.
55. The system of claim 42 wherein the personal data storage means
is a magnetic card.
56. The system of claim 42 and said portable data storage means is
an optical card.
57. The system claim 42 wherein said portable data storage means
uses at least one memory chip to store data.
58. The system of claim 42 wherein said portable data storage means
is a disk.
59. The system of claim 42 wherein said process means and said
portable data storage means is an integrated circuit microprocessor
card.
60. The system of claim 42 wherein said portable data storage means
is an integrated circuit memory card.
61. The system of claim 42 wherein said portable data storage means
is an optical memory card.
62. The system of claim 1 further comprising one or more control
consoles having mounted therein a motion measuring means for
generating data indicative of motion encountered by an
operator.
63. The system of claim 21 further comprising one or more control
consoles having mounted therein a motion measuring means for
generating data indicative of motion encountered by an
operator.
64. The system of claim 42 further comprising one or more control
consoles having mounted therein a motion measuring means for
generating data indicative of motion encountered by an
operator.
65. The system of claim 21 further comprising one or more armrests
having mounted therein a motion measuring means for generating data
indicative of motion encountered by an operator.
66. The system of claim 42 further comprising one or more armrests
having mounted therein a motion measuring means for generating data
indicative of motion encountered by an operator.
67. The system of claim 1 wherein said motion measuring means is
positionable.
68. The system of claim 21 wherein said motion measuring means is
positionable.
69. The system of claim 42 wherein said motion measuring means is
positionable.
70. The system of claim 1 further including a positionable motion
measuring means for generating data indicative of motion
encountered by and operator.
71. The system of claim 21 further including a positionable motion
measuring means for generating data indicative of motion
encountered by and operator.
72. The system of claim 42 further including a positionable motion
measuring means for generating data indicative of motion
encountered by and operator.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for
measuring vibration. More specifically, the present invention
concerns a vehicle seat which has built into the seat and other
seat components such as armrests and control consoles
accelerometers or transducers which are coupled to a processor for
recording and processing data relating to the vibrations
encountered by the occupant of the seat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An increasing concern in the workplace is the amount of
vibration an operator encounters while operating various pieces of
moving equipment such as motorized vehicles and construction
equipment such as, for example, a jackhammer and the like.
Currently, standards exist in the European Union which state that
an operator should not be exposed to conditions exceeding 1.15
m/s.sup.2 for whole body vibration during an eight hour period.
Monitoring and insuring that an operator's exposure does not exceed
prescribed limits is the responsibility of the employer.
[0003] The problem, however, is that there are no known systems for
monitoring whole body vibration in a working environment. The only
system known by Applicants for measuring whole body vibration is a
laboratory method set forth in ISO 10326-1:1992(E). The laboratory
method involves taping discs to the outside of a vehicle seat. As
recommended in ISO 10326-1, the discs have a raised center section
so as to create a cavity in which to place the accelerometer.
[0004] This laboratory design, however, suffers from several
drawbacks that make it impractical for use in actual working
conditions. First, taping a disc to a piece equipment such as a
vehicle seat is not practical. Through normal usage it would almost
be inevitable that the disc would fall off of the equipment or be
damaged during use by being exposed to the working environment.
Moreover, in a vehicle seat application, the disc, with its raised
section would be uncomfortable for an operator to sit upon, and
this would no doubt lead to the accelerometers being routinely
removed. In addition, the laboratory set-up does not provide a way
to measure vibration at other locations such as at the arms of an
operator.
[0005] Nor would having discs taped to the equipment present an
aesthetically pleasing appearance. Once an accelerometer had either
been removed, tampered with, fallen off, or simply have been
damaged by virtue of being left exposed to the working environment,
the ability to measure and record body vibration would be lost.
Thus, there is a need for a system that can measure and record body
vibration while taking into account the demanding needs of an
actual working environment rather than a laboratory setting.
[0006] The present invention overcomes the above mentioned problems
associated with the laboratory device by providing on a piece of
moving equipment, such as a vehicle seat, at least one motion
measuring device that may be located under the seat cover and/or
backrest cover. In another embodiment, the motion measuring device
may be housed within the cushions to measure the motion component
experienced by the seat occupant. Locating the motion measuring
device in a location beneath the outer surface of the equipment
eliminates operator discomfort and provides a secure and safe
environment for the accelerometer.
[0007] In another embodiment a motion measuring device may be
located at other locations occupied by an operator. Such locations
include, but are not limited to, armrests and control consoles.
[0008] The present invention may also include components for
storing and/or processing the motion related data. The system may
also be equipped with an alarm to warn an operator or employer that
a prescribed limit is either approaching or has been exceeded. In
addition, a personal, portable data storage device may be used
which accompanies the operator to any piece of equipment that may
be used during the course of the work day. Lastly, the system may
be adapted to wirelessly transmit the motion the data to other
locations and devices as well.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] These and other features, objects and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
description and drawings wherein like reference numerals represent
like elements in several views, and in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating how an embodiment
of the present invention may be used with a vehicle seat.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of second embodiment of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating how an embodiment
of the present invention may be used with an armrest and control
console.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Set forth below is a description of what are currently
believed to be the preferred embodiments or best examples of the
invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and
modifications to the preferred embodiments are contemplated. Any
alternates or modifications in which insubstantial changes in
function, in purpose, in structure or in result are intended to be
covered by the claims of this patent.
[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the present
invention may be used with a seat 10, which includes motion
measuring devices such as accelerometers 20 and 22. The motion
measuring device may be designed to measure motion such a vibration
and/or acceleration in various directions such as the x, y and z
axes. While two accelerometers are shown in the preferred
embodiment, with accelerometer 20 having the ability to measure
acceleration or motion in the x, y, and z axes, and accelerometer
22 having the ability to measure acceleration or motion in the x
and y axes other motion measuring devices and configurations may be
used as well. For example, a single or multiple motion measuring
devices may also be used. In addition, the motion measuring device
may be used to measure motion in one direction or multiple
directions.
[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the preferred motion measuring device
is an accelerometer 20 which may be located in seat cushion 12 of
seat 10 and accelerometer 22 which may be located in backrest
cushion 14. Both accelerometers are located under seat cover 13 and
backrest cover 15. To accomplish this, the accelerometers and
associated wiring 24 may be affixed to the backside of the covers
prior to injecting foam into the seat mold. Once foam is injected
into the mold, the accelerometers and wiring are securely held in
place. Alternately, the accelerometers may be located in aperture
17 in seat cushion 12 and aperture 19 in backrest cushion 14 as
well.
[0021] Of course, the securement of the accelerometers and wiring
may be accomplished in other ways known to those of ordinary skill
in the art as well. For example, in non-molding applications, the
accelerometers may simply be located in a pre-formed aperture in a
cushion prior to the attachment of the covers. Regardless of the
method of manufacture selected, locating the motion measuring
device below the outer surface of equipment, such as seat 10, will
assist in maintaining the integrity of the apparatus.
[0022] Wiring 24 electronically connects the motion measuring
device to a data processor which may be located in housing 40. The
types of data processors that may be used with the present
invention include, but are not limited to, a microprocessor,
digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit,
random access memory, as well as other known processors known to
those of skill in the art.
[0023] The processor is configured to convert the data received
from the motion measuring device into a usable format, such as
making the data recordable. In addition, housing 40 may also
include an internal storage means for storing the data generated.
The internal storage means may include, but is not limited to, hard
drives such as those using random access memory and the like.
[0024] In addition, housing 40 may also include a dock 41 through
which a portable data storage device 70 or 72 maybe coupled to the
system. The portable data storage device may include, but is not
limited to, a portable storage data unit 70 or a card 72. The
portable storage device may also employ magnetic technology. This
technology includes, but is not limited to, magnetic cards, tapes,
floppy disks, hard disks, zip disks and the like. Optical storage
technology may be used as well. This technology includes, but is
not limited to, optical disks and the like. Other portable data
storage devices that may be used include, as described above, a
storage unit 70 that contains random access memory or a memory
chip. Smart card technology may also be used to process and/or
store the data received from the motion measuring device. Such
technology includes, but is not limited to, integrated circuit
microprocessor cards, integrated circuit memory cards, optical
memory cards and the like.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the present invention may also
include embodiments in which a motion measuring device is located
in or integrally incorporated into either an armrest 50 or a
control console 60 or both. In one alternate embodiment, as shown
in FIG. 6, a motion measuring device such as an accelerometer 62
may be located in a control console 60. As with the accelerometers
described above, the accelerometer may be used to measure motion in
the x, y, and z axes. Locating an accelerometer in this position
permits motion to be measured at a user's arm. As also shown in
FIG. 6, an accelerometer 64 may also be located in armrest 50. As
with the accelerometers described above, the accelerometer may be
used to measure motion in the x, y, and z axes. Locating a motion
measuring device in this position permits motion to be measured at
a user's arm.
[0026] As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the motion
measuring device is preferably located under the outer surface of
the control counsel. This may be done by locating the measuring
device under outer surface 53 as shown in FIG. 7. Alternately,
motion measuring device 62 may be located in aperture 65 of a
cushion 67.
[0027] Likewise, motion measuring device 64 should be located under
the outer surface of the armrest. This may be done by locating the
measuring device under cover 71. Alternately, motion measuring
device 64 may be housed in aperture 73 of cushion 75.
[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention. This embodiment further includes a floating or movable
motion measuring device 100. Measuring device 100 may be an
accelerometer as described above. By the term floating, it is meant
that motion measuring device 100 may be placed or positioned in a
wide variety of desired locations. For example, motion measuring
device 100 may attachable to user's wrist or forearm so as to
measure the vibration at this point on the operator. Motion
measuring device 100 maybe affixed in this application through the
use of a wristband. Of course, other ways to fasten measuring
device 100 include, but are not limited to, pins, clasps, Velcro,
adhesive, and snaps as well as in other ways known to those of
skill art. In addition, movable measuring device 100 may also be
located at other points on the operator or at other locations on
the equipment.
[0029] As is further illustrated in FIG. 6, movable measuring
device 100 is connected to the system through flexible wiring 102.
Alternately, a wireless connection may be used as well to link
measuring device 100 to the remainder of the system. Using either a
wireless connection or flexible hard wiring provides the
versatility that allows measuring device 100 to be positionable in
a wide variety of desired locations.
[0030] Using a portable data storage 70 or 72 device enhances the
utility of the system. For example, multiple pieces of equipment
may be provided with the necessary motion measuring devices and
processors with all of the processors being designed to work the
personal data storage device. Configuring the system in this manner
allows an operator to take a portable data storage device, which is
personal to the operator, from location to location and from one
piece of equipment to another. Configuring the system in this
manner maintains an employer's ability to monitor and record the
total vibration encountered by the operator for a given work period
no matter how many different pieces of equipment are used by an
operator.
[0031] The system may also be designed to recognize a unique
identification code associated with a particular operator. This
allows the activation of the equipment to be conditioned upon the
proper recognition of an authorized user. The system may also be
configured to record the date and time a user operated a specific
piece of equipment. This would allow employers to retain the
vibration data and create a long term record for future use.
[0032] The data generated by the accelerometer may also be used to
sound an alarm so as to warn the operator or employer when a
maximum or prescribed limit is about to be reached or has been
exceeded. The alarm may be visual in nature such as a warning on a
display monitor or audio in nature. Readout 90 of the data may also
be displayed to the operator or employer so that the vibrations
encountered may be monitored. Lastly, the data may be transmitted
wirelessly to a remote location for use and storage by an
employer.
[0033] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those
of ordinary skill in the art that changes and other modifications
can be made without departing from the invention in its broader
aspects. Various features of the present invention are set forth in
the following claims.
* * * * *