Vehicle seat subassembly

Abstract

This application relates to vehicle seat subassemblies. Seat assemblies and subassemblies are disclosed. The subassemblies include a massage and / or ventilation subassembly that employs tubeless air distribution by securing the sheet material together, for example by heat staking. The subassemblies also include a support structure for preassembling the massage, ventilation, and / or electronic components together before suspending them in a seat assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to ventilation and / or massage components / sub-components, such as those for vehicle seat assemblies. background

[0002] The seat assembly and subassemblies are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,874,616, granted to Lear Corporation on January 25, 2011.

[0003] Overview

[0004] A massage and / or ventilation subassembly is disclosed. The subassembly includes a first sheet attached to a second sheet, thereby defining a plurality of inflatable passages. Each passage is in fluid communication with a compartment via an orifice in either the first or second sheet. The compartment may be defined by a pouch attached to either the first or second sheet. The passage may include a first end and a second end, the first end terminating at the orifice, and the second end configured to receive fluid flow from a valve assembly or a pump during operation.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the first sheet and the second sheet may define a ventilation channel.

[0006] In one variation, a first sheet may form part of a first ventilation bag, and a second sheet may form part of a second ventilation bag. A first portion of the first ventilation bag may define a first aperture aligned with a ventilation channel, and a second portion of the second ventilation bag may define a second aperture aligned with the first aperture, such that fluid communication exists between the apertures. The first ventilation bag may also define one or more outlet apertures for providing ventilation to the occupant, and the second ventilation bag may define an inlet configured to receive airflow from a blower. During operation, the blower can provide airflow that enters the inlet, passes through the second ventilation bag, exits the second aperture, enters the first aperture, passes through the first ventilation bag, and reaches the occupant through one or more outlet apertures.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the ventilation duct may house a ventilation bag having an inlet configured to receive airflow from a blower and one or more orifices, such that the blower can provide ventilation to the occupants during operation.

[0008] In one improvement, the pouch may be formed from one or more additional sheets fixed to the first sheet or the second sheet.

[0009] A seat assembly is also disclosed. The seat assembly may include a seat frame and a massage and / or ventilation sub-assembly supported by the seat frame.

[0010] A vehicle seat subassembly is also disclosed. This vehicle seat assembly includes a support structure, a blower, and an inflatable massage subassembly. The support structure may include a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The blower may be attached to the first side and includes a housing, a portion of which is formed by the support structure. The blower may be configured to provide ventilation to the occupant during operation. The inflatable massage subassembly may be attached to the second side of the support structure.

[0011] In one variation, the pump, which has a second housing, may also be attached to a support structure such that the support structure forms part of the second housing. The pump may be configured to inflate one or more sacs of the inflatable massager assembly during operation.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the valve assembly having a third housing can be attached to a support structure such that the support structure can form part of the third housing. The valve assembly can coordinate airflow from the pump to various components (such as sacs) to provide a massage effect during operation.

[0013] In one improvement, the various housings may each include segments connected to the support structure via retainers (such as snap-fit ​​retainers).

[0014] In some improvements, one or more pouches may each include a sidewall defining an inflatable compartment. A first sheet may form at least a portion of the sidewall. The first sheet may be connected to a second sheet such that the first and second sheets define a ventilation passage.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the support structure may be configured to support multiple suspension systems. These suspension systems can be used to suspend the massage sub-assemblies within the seat assembly.

[0016] In another variant, the first housing can also accommodate pump and valve assemblies.

[0017] A vehicle seat assembly is disclosed. The vehicle seat assembly includes a seat frame and a vehicle seat sub-assembly supported by the seat frame.

[0018] A massage sub-assembly is disclosed. The sub-assembly includes a first sheet and a second sheet configured to define an inflatable air passage. The inflatable air passage may include a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to receive airflow during operation via, for example, a valve assembly, and the second end terminating at an orifice in the second sheet. The orifice may be in pneumatic communication with an inflatable compartment defined by a third sheet attached to the second sheet surrounding the orifice.

[0019] A vehicle seat assembly is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat frame and a massage sub-assembly supported by the seat frame.

[0020] In one variation, the massage sub-assembly may include a fourth sheet such that the third and fourth sheets are configured to define an additional inflatable compartment.

[0021] In another variation, the massage module assembly may include a fifth sheet, such that the fourth and fifth sheets are configured to define an additional inflatable passage in pneumatic communication with an additional inflatable compartment. This pneumatic communication may be provided by additional orifices in the fourth sheet.

[0022] The inflatable air passage can be one of a plurality of inflatable air passages defined by the first sheet and the second sheet. Each passage can be pneumatically connected to a corresponding compartment.

[0023] The massage module assembly may also include additional inflatable air passages from multiple channels. These additional air passages may be in pneumatic communication with a compartment defined by the first and fourth sheets. This pneumatic communication may be provided by openings in the first sheet. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0024] Figure 1A It is the first side of the massage element assembly according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 1B It is the second side opposite to the first side of the massage element.

[0026] Figure 1C This is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of an inflatable passage defined by the first and second sheets.

[0027] Figure 1D This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pouch fixed to a first sheet or a second sheet according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a seat subassembly according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3A It is a support structure that includes part of the blower housing and the blower seat assembly.

[0030] Figure 3B It is part of the support structure, and this part of the support structure forms part of the blower housing, in which the blower is removed.

[0031] Figure 3C It is a support structure with a suspension system.

[0032] Figure 4 It is the seat back component. Detailed description

[0033] Embodiments of this disclosure are described herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various forms and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Some features may be enlarged or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various ways. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features illustrated and described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other drawings to produce embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of illustrated features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure may be necessary for a particular application or implementation.

[0034] Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly stated, all numerical quantities in this disclosure should be understood to be modified by the word “about” in a manner that describes the broader scope of this disclosure. Practice within the stated numerical limits is generally preferred. Additionally, unless expressly stated to the contrary, percentages, “parts”, and ratios are by weight; the term “polymer” includes “oligomer,” “copolymer,” “terpolymer,” and the like; describing a group or class of materials as suitable or preferred for a given purpose relating to this invention means that a mixture of any two or more members of that group or class is equally suitable or preferred; the molecular weight provided for any polymer refers to the number average molecular weight; descriptions of components in chemical terms refer to components when added to any combination specified in the description and do not necessarily exclude chemical interactions between components of the mixture after mixing; the first definition of an acronym or other abbreviation applies to all subsequent uses of the same abbreviation herein and, with necessary modifications, to common grammatical variations of the originally defined abbreviation; and unless expressly stated to the contrary, measurements of properties are determined by the same technique as those mentioned earlier or later for the same property.

[0035] This disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0036] The terms "substantially" or "generally" are used herein to describe the disclosed or claimed embodiments. The term "substantially" may modify values ​​or relative characteristics disclosed or claimed in this disclosure. In such cases, "substantially" may mean that the value or relative characteristic it modifies is within ±0%, ±0.1%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, or ±10% of that value or relative characteristic.

[0037] It should also be recognized that the integer range explicitly includes all intermediate integers. For example, the integer range 1-10 explicitly includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Similarly, the range 1 to 100 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, ..., 97, 98, 99, and 100. Likewise, when any range is required, the intermediate number obtained by dividing the difference between the upper and lower limits by 10 as the increment can be considered as an optional upper or lower limit. For example, if the range is 1.1 to 2.1, the following numbers 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, and 2.0 can be chosen as either the lower or upper limit.

[0038] like Figures 1A-1B As shown, a massage and / or ventilation sub-assembly 100 is disclosed. The massage sub-assembly 100 can be supported in the seat assembly 200 by the seat frame 201, as shown. Figure 4 As shown. Seat assembly 200 can be a vehicle seat assembly such as a motorcycle, car, train, boat, or aircraft. Massager assembly 100 includes a first sheet 102 fixed to a second sheet 104, such that sheets 102, 104 define a passage 107 (…). Figure 1C and Figure 1D One or more pathways 106. Pathways 106 can connect to various components, such as bags, flow inducing devices, valves, tactile devices, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Sheets 102 and 104 can be made of a material impermeable to fluids (such as air). For example, the sheets can be made of organic polymeric materials (i.e., plastics), such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, acrylic acid, polycarbonate, or combinations thereof. The sheets can be thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers. For example, the sheets can be thermoplastic polyurethane. The shape and size of sheets 102 and 104 can be any suitable size for fitting into a vehicle seat. In one variation, the shape and size can be adapted to provide a massage effect to the human body (such as a person's back and / or neck). In an improvement, the first and second sheets are substantially similar or identical in shape and size. The thickness of the plastic sheets can be less than 5 mm, or more preferably less than 1 mm, or even more preferably less than 0.5 mm. In one variation, the thickness can be from 0.01 mm to 5 mm, or more preferably from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, or even more preferably from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. Sheets 102 and 104 are fixed to each other such that they define a plurality of passages 106. Sheets 102 and 104 can be fixed together by heat-staking, ultrasonic staking, hot plate welding, hot forging, cold pressing, etc. For example, heat-staking can form a partial bond between two sheets 102 and 104 that form a seal. In an improvement, sheets 102 and 104 can be fixed together by heat-staking along the periphery of passage 106 to form a continuous heat-sink line. This seal allows passage 106 to be inflated when an airflow above a threshold pressure passes through passage 106. Thus, the continuous heat-sink line outlines the contours of multiple passages 106 while simultaneously fixing the first sheet 102 and the second sheet 104 together.

[0040] Each of the plurality of passages 106 may define an orifice 108 at a first end, such as Figure 1C As shown. The opening 108 may be defined by a first sheet 102 or a second sheet 104. The opening 108 provides fluid communication (e.g., pneumatic communication) with a compartment 109. The compartment 109 may be defined by a sidewall of an inflatable pouch 110. As described herein, the pouch 110 may be secured to the first sheet 102 or the second sheet 104 around the opening 108, as... Figure 1DAs shown. In one improvement, the pouch 110 can be secured by heat fusion. The pouch 110 can define one or more compartments. In one improvement, the pouch 110 can define multiple compartments. For example, the pouch 110 can define a first compartment 109a and a second compartment 109b. Each inflatable pouch 110 can be formed from one or more additional sheets. For example, the pouch 110 can be formed from a third sheet fixed to a first sheet 102 or a second sheet 104. In a variation, a fourth sheet can be fixed to the first sheet 102 to form one or more pouches. In one improvement, the pouch 110 can be formed from a third sheet and a fourth sheet, which are fixed to each other and to the first sheet 102 or the second sheet 104. In another improvement, a fifth sheet can form an additional inflatable passage with, for example, the fourth sheet. This additional passage can be in fluid communication with an additional pouch formed from the third and fourth sheets via an opening in the fourth sheet. In yet another improvement, the pouch 110 can be formed from four additional sheets 112, 114, 116, and 118 that are heat-fused together 119, as shown below. Figure 1D As shown. The pouch 110 can have various shapes and sizes. The pouch 110 can have a multi-compartmental (i.e., corrugated) or hourglass shape (e.g.) Figure 1D (As shown), this allows the pouch to extend further from the orifice 108 when inflated compared to a single-compartment pouch 110. See again. Figures 1A-1B The pouches may include, for example, a rectangular pouch 120, a lumbar pouch 122, a shoulder support pouch 123, a bolster bladder pouch 124, or a combination thereof. Porous fabric or filamentous spacers may be provided between any sheets, within inflatable compartments and / or passageways, to prevent collapse. In other words, the spacers provide a structure that supports air movement even when the sub-assembly 100 is compressed under the pressure of the occupant 210.

[0041] There may be 1 to 30, or more preferably 5 to 25, or even more preferably 10 to 20 passages 106 and / or pouches. For example, the plurality of passages 106 may include 15 passages in fluid communication with 15 pouches 110 via orifices 108. In an improvement, the passages 106 may terminate at orifices 108 in the first sheet 102 and / or the second sheet 104. In a variation, a first set of pouches may be attached to the first sheet, and a second set of pouches may be attached to the second sheet. The pouches may be of various shapes and sizes. In a variation, there may be at least two different types of pouches, or more preferably at least three different types of pouches. For example, the first sheet 102 may define 1 to 20 orifices 108, or more preferably 5 to 15 orifices 108, or even more preferably 7 to 13 orifices 108, and each orifice may be in fluid communication with a pouch. For example, a rectangular pouch 120 may be attached to the first sheet 102. The second sheet 104 may define one to 20 openings 108, or more preferably four to 12 openings 108, or even more preferably six to 10 openings 108. A lumbar pouch 122, a shoulder support pouch 123, a pillow pouch 124, or a combination thereof may be attached to the second sheet 104. For example, the second sheet may include three lumbar pouches 122, one shoulder support pouch 123, and two pillow pouches 124.

[0042] Each passage 106 includes a second end defining an orifice for receiving airflow from a flow induction device. A valve assembly may be disposed between the orifice and the flow induction device to provide selective fluid communication between the passage 106 and the flow induction device. Each passage 106 may be connected to a portion of the valve assembly. For example, the passage 106 may be directly connected to the valve assembly, such as by high-frequency or ultrasonic welding. The flow induction device may be, for example, a pump, a compressor, or a combination thereof. The flow induction device may provide airflow such that the passage and / or compartment is inflated when the corresponding valve is open and the flow induction device is operating.

[0043] Sheets 102 and 104 may also define ventilation channels. The ventilation channels may be centrally located at or near the center of the first sheet 102 and the second sheet 104. A ventilation bag 126 may be disposed or housed within the ventilation channels. The ventilation bag 126 may define one or more ventilation openings or outlet openings 128 to provide ventilation to the occupant 210 during operation. The ventilation bag 126 may also define an inlet that receives airflow from a flow-inducing device such as a blower or fan to ventilate the occupant 210 during operation. In one variation, the first sheet 102 and the second sheet 104 may form part of the ventilation bag 126.

[0044] In another variation, the first sheet 102 may form a first portion of a first ventilation bag, and the second sheet 104 may form a second portion of a second ventilation bag. The first ventilation bag may define one or more ventilation openings or outlet openings 128 and a first hole aligned with a ventilation channel. The first opening may be defined by the first portion. The second ventilation bag may define a second opening aligned with the first opening and the ventilation channel, such that the second bag is in fluid communication with the first bag through the opening and the ventilation channel. The second opening may be defined by the second portion. The second bag may also define an inlet that can be connected to a flow inducing device, such as a blower or fan 130, to receive a fluid flow. The inlet may be connected to the flow inducing device by, for example, a retaining ring, adhesive, or high-frequency welding or ultrasonic welding. During operation and when in fluid communication with the flow inducing device, ventilation may be provided to the occupant 210 from the flow inducing device, through the inlet, through the second ventilation bag, through the second opening, through the first opening, through the first ventilation bag, and through one or more ventilation openings or outlet openings to the occupant 210.

[0045] refer to Figures 3A-3B Another seat subassembly 300 is disclosed. Seat subassembly 300 can also be used in seat assembly 200 and is supported by seat frame 201, as... Figure 4 As shown. Seat subassembly 300 may include support structure 302, one or more flow induction devices 303, valve assembly, inflatable massage subassembly 304 as described herein, electronic device 305, or a combination thereof.

[0046] The support structure 302 may be a load-bearing member 302 and may include a first side 306 and a second side opposite to the first side. In one improvement, the support structure 302 may be generally flat and rigid. For example, the support structure may be a plate or similar plate. The support structure 302 may be a rigid plastic, such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, or combinations thereof. The thickness of the support structure 302 may be at least 0.5 mm, or more preferably at least 2 mm, or even more preferably at least 2.5 mm. In one improvement, the support structure 302 may have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 20 mm, or more preferably 1 mm to 10 mm, or even more preferably 2 mm to 3.5 mm.

[0047] The support structure 302 may include a plurality of fasteners / retainers 308 for securing components such as a flow induction device 303, a valve assembly, an inflatable sub-assembly 304, electronics 305, or combinations thereof to the support structure 302. The support structure 302 may also include a suspension system 307 for securing the support structure 302 to the seat assembly 200, such as… Figure 3C As shown. The suspension system 307 is attached to the frame 201 of the seat back assembly 200.

[0048] The support structures disclosed herein can be pre-assembled before being suspended in the seat assembly. The support structures can have the same or different constructions for attaching components, such that they are assembled for a specific model, but still have the same or substantially similar shape and dimensions (e.g., the same perimeter or profile). Each support structure 302 can be suspended in the seat assembly by a suspension system 307. The suspension system 307 can be different for each model. In other words, various support structures with different characteristics can be pre-assembled. The pre-assembled support structures can then be suspended within the various seat assemblies.

[0049] Multiple fasteners / retainers 308 can connect one or more flow induction devices 303, such as pumps, compressors, blowers 310, fans, or combinations thereof. Fasteners / retainers 308 can include snap-fit / press-fit / interference-fit arrangements, screws, bolts, rivets, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, or any suitable fastener / retainer. Snap-fit ​​arrangements rely on the flexibility of materials (such as plastics) to interlock the separated components. Snap-fits can be cantilevered, torsional, and / or annular. In a variation, the retainer arrangement can include a first segment as part of a support structure and a second segment as part of an attached component (such as a blower). The first and second segments can interlock, eliminating the need for additional parts such as bolts or screws. This can reduce material costs and the time and complexity of assembling assembly 200. In an improvement, multiple fasteners / retainers 308 can be used to connect blower 310 to a first side 306 of support structure 302. When the blower 310 is combined with the support structure 302, the blower 310 may include a portion of the housing, and the support structure may also form part of the housing. In other words, the blower housing may be at least partially formed by the support structure 302. For example, the upper portion of the blower housing may snap-fit ​​into the support structure 302, such that the lower portion of the blower housing is formed by the support structure 302. Using the support structure 302 to form part of one or more housings can reduce material costs. The support structure 302 may also define a gap 312, allowing the blower 310 to supply airflow to the ventilation system / ventilation bag through the gap 312 during operation.

[0050] Multiple fasteners / retainers 308 may, in combination or alternatively, allow a pump, compressor, fan, or a combination thereof to also be connected to the support structure 302. For example, the pump or compressor may also be positioned such that it is in fluid communication with a valve assembly and / or a massage sub-assembly, which is also connected to the support structure 302 via multiple fasteners / retainers 308. In a variation, the massage sub-assembly 304 may be connected to and / or positioned on a second side of the support structure 302 opposite to the blower, compressor, and pump. The support structure 302 may also form part of the pump / compressor housing, as described above regarding the blower housing. The pump / compressor may be positioned such that it is in fluid communication with the massage sub-assembly 304. The pump / compressor may be in fluid communication with the sub-assembly 304 through another gap defined by the support structure 302. A valve assembly may be positioned between the pump / compressor and the massage sub-assembly 304. The support structure 302 may similarly form part of the valve assembly housing. In one variant, blower 310, compressor, pump, valve assembly, electronics 305, or combinations thereof (such as a combination of blower 310, pump, and valve assembly) may share a common housing, and support structure 302 may form part of that common housing.

[0051] In one improvement, the blower 310, pump / compressor, valve assembly, or a combination thereof may be positioned on or connected to a first side of the support structure 302, and the massage element assembly 304 may be positioned on or connected to a second side of the support structure 302 opposite to the first side. Electronic device 305 may also be secured to the support structure 302 via a plurality of fasteners / retainers 308. In one improvement, electronic device 305 may be secured to the first side 306. Electronic device 305 may include, but is not limited to, circuits, printed circuit boards, current-carrying media (i.e., IE wiring harness) batteries, heating elements, motors, fuses, control electronics, and logic controllers.

[0052] Seat assembly 200 may also include a foam or padding layer 202, a heater 204, a lamination layer 206, and a decorative cover 208 surrounding the seat assembly 200, such as Figure 2 As shown. These layers may be porous and / or include perforations, allowing ventilation air to pass through and reach the occupants during operation.

[0053] Although exemplary embodiments have been described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms covered by the claims. The language used in this specification is descriptive rather than limiting, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. As described above, features of various embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. Regarding one or more desired features, while various embodiments may have been described as providing advantages over other embodiments or prior art implementations, or being preferred relative to other embodiments or prior art implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve the desired overall system properties, depending on the particular application and implementation. These properties may include, but are not limited to, strength, durability, merchantability, appearance, packaging, size, maintainability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. Therefore, embodiments described in one or more aspects as less desirable than those desired by other embodiments or prior art implementations are not outside the scope of this disclosure and may be desirable for a particular application.

Claims

1. A massage component, comprising: A first sheet is attached to a second sheet such that the first and second sheets define a plurality of inflatable passages, each inflatable passage being in fluid communication with an inflatable compartment via an orifice in the first or second sheet, and each inflatable passage including a first end and a second end, the first end terminating at the orifice, and the second end being fluidly connectable to a fluid flow from a valve assembly or a pump, each inflatable compartment being defined by a bladder. The first sheet and the second sheet define at least one ventilation channel, wherein the at least one ventilation channel accommodates a ventilation bag, and wherein the ventilation bag defines one or more ventilation outlet openings.

2. The massage sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation channel is centrally located between the first sheet and the second sheet.

3. The massage element assembly of claim 1, wherein the first sheet forms a first portion of a first ventilation bag, and the second sheet forms a second portion of a second ventilation bag, the first ventilation bag defining the one or more ventilation outlet openings, and the first portion defining a first opening aligned with the ventilation channel, the second ventilation bag having an inlet configured to receive airflow from a blower, and the second portion defining a second opening aligned with the first opening, such that ventilation can be provided from the blower through the second opening of the second ventilation bag to the first opening of the first ventilation bag, and to the one or more ventilation outlet openings for providing ventilation to an occupant.

4. The massage sub-assembly of claim 1, wherein the ventilation bag has an inlet configured to receive airflow from a blower, such that the blower can provide ventilation to the occupant during operation.

5. The massage sub-assembly of claim 1, wherein the pouch is formed by one or more additional sheets fixed to the first sheet or the second sheet.

6. A seat assembly comprising a seat frame and a massage module assembly according to claim 1 supported by the seat frame.

7. A vehicle seat subassembly, comprising: A support structure having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, wherein the support structure is a carrier configured to be suspended within a seat assembly, and the carrier defines a gap extending through its thickness; A blower, the blower being attached to the first side of the support structure, the blower including a first housing and configured to ventilate occupants during operation, wherein a first portion of the first housing snaps into the support structure, and a second portion of the first housing is formed by a portion of the support structure, and wherein the gap provides an outlet for ventilation flow from the blower; as well as The massage sub-assembly according to claim 1 is attached to the second side of the support structure.

8. The vehicle seat subassembly of claim 7, further comprising a pump attached to the support structure, the pump including a second housing and configured to inflate one or more bladders during operation, wherein the support structure forms part of the second housing.

9. The vehicle seat subassembly of claim 8, further comprising a valve assembly attached to the support structure, the valve assembly including a third housing, wherein the support structure forms part of the third housing.

10. The vehicle seat subassembly of claim 9, wherein a segment of each of the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing is connected to the support structure via a retainer.

11. The vehicle seat subassembly of claim 9, wherein each of the one or more bladders includes a sidewall defining an inflatable compartment, and at least a portion of the sidewall is a first sheet connected to a second sheet such that the first sheet and the second sheet define a ventilation passage.

12. The vehicle seat subassembly of claim 11, wherein the support structure is configured to support a plurality of suspension systems to suspend the massage subassembly within the seat assembly.

13. The vehicle seat subassembly of claim 7, further comprising a pump and valve assembly within the first housing.

14. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising a seat frame and a vehicle seat subassembly according to claim 7 supported by said seat frame.

15. A massage component, comprising: A first sheet and a second sheet are configured to define an inflatable air passage having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to receive airflow through a valve assembly during operation, and the second end terminating at an orifice in the second sheet. A third sheet defining an inflatable compartment is attached to the second sheet around the orifice, such that the inflatable air passage is in fluid communication with the inflatable compartment. At least one ventilation channel defined by the first sheet and the second sheet; as well as A ventilation bag defining one or more ventilation outlets, wherein at least one ventilation channel accommodates the ventilation bag.

16. The massager assembly of claim 15, further comprising a fourth sheet such that the third sheet and the fourth sheet are configured to define an additional inflatable compartment.

17. The massager assembly of claim 16, further comprising a fifth sheet such that the fourth sheet and the fifth sheet are configured to define an additional inflatable passage that is in fluid communication with the additional inflatable compartment via an additional orifice in the fourth sheet.

18. The massage element assembly of claim 15, wherein the inflatable air passage is one of a plurality of inflatable air passages defined by the first sheet and the second sheet, each inflatable air passage being in fluid communication with a corresponding compartment.

19. The massager assembly of claim 18, wherein an additional inflatable air passage from the plurality of inflatable air passages is in fluid communication with a compartment defined by the first sheet and the fourth sheet via an additional orifice in the first sheet.

20. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising a seat frame and a massager assembly according to claim 15 supported by the seat frame.

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