Multi-directional lumbar support system

Abstract

A support system for a seat includes a suspension coupled to a frame of a seatback. A plurality of pneumatic units are coupled to the suspension. Each pneumatic unit is expandable and independently controllable to expand between a first position and a second position. The flexible responsive surface covers the front surfaces of the plurality of air units, and the responsive plate maintains a smooth transition surface when each of the plurality of air units expands to the first position and the second position.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 393,631, filed on July 29, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 431,701, filed on December 11, 2022, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this document. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 A front view of a seat with a portion of a lumbar support system is illustrated according to one embodiment.

[0005] Figure 2 A schematic side view of a seat with a lumbar support system is illustrated.

[0006] Figure 3 A schematic side view of a chair with a lumbar support system according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0007] Figure 4 A schematic side view of a chair with a lumbar support system according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0008] Figure 5 A front view of a lumbar support system is illustrated according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 6 A front view of a lumbar support system according to another embodiment is illustrated.

[0010] Figure 7 A front view of a portion of the lumbar support system is illustrated with the front response plate removed.

[0011] Figure 8 A bottom view of a lumbar support system is illustrated according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 8 Several functions of a lumbar support system in accordance with at least one embodiment are illustrated.

[0013] Fig. 9 A valve configuration according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0014] Fig.10 A front view of a seat with a lumbar support system is illustrated according to one embodiment.

[0015] Detailed Description

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description that follows, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments described. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various embodiments described may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks are not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0017] It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, and that different forms and alternative forms are possible. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate the details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural details and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to implement the embodiments according to the present disclosure in various ways.

[0018] “One or more” includes a function performed by one element, a function performed by more than one element (eg, in a distributed manner), several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0019] It should also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are used in some cases herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first contact can be called the second contact, and similarly, the second contact can be called the first contact without departing from the scope of the various embodiments described. Both the first contact and the second contact are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0020] The terms used in the description of the various described embodiments are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that, as used herein, the term "and / or" refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed related items. It should be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms "includes", "including", "comprises", and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof.

[0021] As used herein, the term "if" is optionally interpreted to mean "when..." or "upon..." or "in response to determining..." or "in response to detecting...", as the context requires. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined" or "if [the condition or event] is detected" are optionally interpreted to mean "upon determining..." or "in response to determining..." or "upon detecting [the condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the condition or event]", as the context requires.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a support system for a seat has a suspension coupled to a frame of a seat back. A plurality of pneumatic units are coupled to the suspension, each pneumatic unit being inflatable and independently controllable to inflate between a first position and a second position. A flexible responsive surface covers a front surface of the plurality of pneumatic units, and a responsive plate maintains a smooth transition surface between each pneumatic unit.

[0023] Figure 1 The chair 10 is illustrated with a lumbar support system 20. The lumbar support system 20 has a suspension board 22 coupled to a frame 24 of a seat back 26. The lumbar support system has a plurality of small pneumatic cells 30 coupled to the support. Each pneumatic cell 30 is inflatable and independently controllable to inflate when the pneumatic cells inflate therebetween, thereby providing increased support. A flexible reaction plate 32 ( Figure 5-Figure 6 ) covers the front surface of the plurality of pneumatic cells 30. The response plate 32 provides a response surface that is a smooth transition surface that forms a bridge between each pneumatic cell 30. The lumbar support system 20 uses smaller pneumatic cells 20 than existing pneumatic lumbar systems, which improves response because the smaller volume cells can be inflated and deflated quickly. The response plate 32 covering the pneumatic cells provides comfortable contoured support for the user.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, existing conventional four-way pneumatic lumbar systems use two air units, namely a lower air unit and an upper air unit. These systems create gaps and uneven support surfaces that may be uncomfortable.

[0025] like Figure 3 to Figure 4As shown, the lumbar support system 20 of the present application has a response plate 32 that maintains a smooth transition surface that is convex between each pneumatic unit 30 and forms a smooth transition for lumbar apex adjustment. The response plate 32 can be formed of fiber needle felt, resin or plastic, high-density foam, or any other material that can provide bending under the load of pneumatic unit expansion. The response plate 32 can be 0.5mm to 2mm thick. For example, the response plate 32 is flexible enough to provide a curvature height equal to one to six times the height of the lumbar unit. In another embodiment, the response plate 32 is flexible enough to provide a curvature height equal to 1.5 times to 4 times the height of the lumbar unit. The response plate 32 between the pneumatic units also allows the use of small lumbar pneumatic units 30. The response plate 32 and the smaller pneumatic unit 30 also allow for a fast-response lumbar function. The lumbar support system 20 can be used in Figure 3 In the four-way system shown, or more simply as Figure 4 For example, a conventional pneumatic bidirectional waist system may have a pneumatic bladder with a volume of up to 1 liter. In contrast, Figure 4 The waist system in the can have two small air cells of 100ml or even smaller while still providing a comfortable flex. This would reduce the fill time from 12-18 seconds to 4-6 seconds.

[0026] The pneumatic unit 30 may also be directly covered by a firm padding layer defining the cushion or cushioning of the seat back. The firm padding layer covers the front surface of the pneumatic unit. The firm padding layer provides a responsive surface that maintains a smooth transition surface that bridges between each pneumatic unit 30.

[0027] The pneumatic cells 30 act directly against the cushioning layer. The stiffness of the cushioning layer helps to bridge the distance between each pneumatic cell 30, avoiding the harsh feeling that would occur if a soft layer were applied on top of the lumbar cells. The cushioning layer has a firmness that is used to provide lumbar support through the two (or more) cells in each row that are inflated.

[0028] The cushioning layer may be formed of foam, flexair, non-foam or any other material that defines the padding or cushioning of the seat back. Very soft foam will compress 2kPa-4kPa in the direction of the occupant and only exhibit localized pressure points similar to the cell size. Harder foams will allow bridging of gaps between cells, providing a "lumbar bend" in both the lateral and vertical directions. In one embodiment, the cushioning layer may have a hardness of 5kPa-7kPa or harder. The cushioning layer may also be a firm foam to provide sufficient support to "bridge" the gaps between the air cells. In another embodiment, the hard cushioning layer may be a needle felt adhered to the B side of the seat back pad foam. For example, the density of the needle felt may be 200g / m 2 Other materials such as ventilated spacers may also be sufficient to reinforce the foam and provide sufficient stiffness to form a responsive surface that bridges between pneumatic cells.

[0029] In other embodiments, such as the dual-durometer foam option, the important aspect is that the responsive surface against which the pneumatic unit operates has sufficient stiffness to act as a bridging material for a multi-zone lumbar solution. If the foam is too soft and compresses too easily, the foam does not provide enough support to create lumbar function and does not minimize pressure points. In typical embodiments, the lumbar responsive surface will be a hard seat foam, optionally a softer seat foam reinforced with felt, or a dual-durometer / gradient-durometer foam.

[0030] The zoned pneumatic unit 30 has a minimum of two separate zones, which can independently operate the left lumbar stroke and the right lumbar stroke. The pneumatic unit 30 can also be arranged to have additional multiple zones, allowing massage and rotation of the torso / lumbar area in four directions, namely left, right, up and down (Y and Z directions).

[0031] In addition, by being divided into at least two channels, the left and right sides can be controlled separately, in combination with a two-way lumbar device. Through the additional channels, the function can be better defined as a four-way lumbar device, or even a three-zone or six-zone lumbar device using six control channels.

[0032] In addition to up and down adjustment of the lumbar region, the present application also includes additional zones that provide left and right adjustment. By allowing independent adjustment of the left and right zones, the lumbar support system 20 provides a torso "rotation" feature on top of the general lumbar massage feature.

[0033] The lumbar support system 20 provides enhanced body fit by minimizing stresses in twisting the seat position, and provides "mini" swivel support for passenger conversation to turn the seated position, or even to provide egress support.

[0034] like Figure 5-Figure 6 As shown, the response plate 32 is coupled to the suspension plate 22 only near one edge, while the opposite edge is free and not coupled to the support plate 22. The response plate 32 is coupled to the support only near the upper edge 34. The response plate 32 is coupled to the suspension plate 22 only near the upper edge and the lower edge 36 is free. Figure 5 A lumbar support system 20 is illustrated having six pneumatic units 30 positioned between a response plate 32 and a frame. Figure 6 A lumbar support system 20 is illustrated having four pneumatic units 30. Other configurations or other numbers of small pneumatic units 30 may be used.

[0035] The lumbar support system 20 uses a plurality of pneumatic units 30 that are smaller in size than typical lumbar supports, such as Figure 7-Figure 8 As shown, the pneumatic unit 30 has a width Y, a height Z, and an expandable depth X. For example, each pneumatic unit 30 may have a width Y of approximately 60 millimeters (mm) and a height Z of approximately 40 mm. In another embodiment, each pneumatic unit 30 may have a substantially equal width Y and height Z. In another embodiment, the width Y and the height Z may be in the range of 20 mm-120 mm. In one embodiment, each pneumatic unit 30 may be independently controlled to expand a depth X of 30 mm. In another embodiment, each pneumatic unit 30 may expand a depth X in the range of 0 mm-100 mm. Pneumatic units of other sizes and shapes may be used.

[0036] Conventional two-way waist components have a large pneumatic bladder with a surface coverage of 250mm in height Z and 170mm-200mm in width Y. A fast-responding small unit can reduce the waist air unit coverage to 80mm×60mm or less and use a response plate to distribute pressure appropriately.

[0037] The pneumatic units 30 can be spaced apart in the lateral direction and in the vertical direction, and the flexible response plate 32 ensures a smooth transition between the units. For example, the plurality of pneumatic units 30 are spaced apart in the lateral direction and in the vertical direction by at least 50% of the corresponding lateral width or vertical height of the pneumatic unit. In another embodiment, the pneumatic units can be spaced apart by up to 200 mm. Other spacings or configurations can be used.

[0038] The lumbar support system 20 may have at least two pneumatic units 30. The pneumatic units 30 may be spaced apart in the vertical direction or in the lateral direction. Figure 6 In another embodiment shown, the lumbar support system 20 has at least four pneumatic units 30 spaced apart in the lateral and vertical directions. Figure 1In another embodiment shown, the lumbar support system 20 has at least six pneumatic units 30 .

[0039] As shown in the figure, the pneumatic units 30 can be arranged to have at least two upright rows 40 of pneumatic units 30 extending in the upright direction and spaced apart in the lateral direction. The pneumatic units 30 can also be arranged to have at least two lateral rows 42 of pneumatic units 30 extending in the lateral direction and spaced apart in the upright direction. Figure 1 As shown, the lumbar support system has two vertical rows 40 and three lateral rows 42 of pneumatic units 30. The plurality of pneumatic units 30 may be arranged in other suitable configurations for providing mobile lumbar support with massaging and / or rotating functions.

[0040] The lumbar support system 20 may also have a valve assembly 50 in communication with the plurality of pneumatic units 30 and a compressor 52 for providing air to the pneumatic units 30. A controller 56 may be in communication with the valve assembly 50 and programmed to control the inflation of the pneumatic units 30.

[0041] The controller 56 may command the first portion of the pneumatic unit 30 to expand and command the second portion of the pneumatic unit 30 to compress to a depth less than the first portion.

[0042] The controller 56 may also receive input and / or commands from a user, sensor, or other controller. If the controller 56 receives a command indicating an occupant rotation request, the controller 56 may command the first portion (such as the first upright row 40) to expand to a first depth 60 and command the second portion (such as the second upright row 44) to expand to a second depth 62 greater than the first depth 60, such as Figure 8 shown.

[0043] The rotation request may be based on an indication that the occupant is leaving the seat. Alternatively, the rotation request may be based on vehicle motion or input indicating that the occupant is in a twisted / rotated seating position.

[0044] The controller 56 may also receive a command indicating a massage request. If the controller 56 receives a command indicating a massage request, the controller 56 may command the first portion (such as the first lateral row 42) to expand to a first depth and command the second portion (such as the second lateral row 42) to expand to a second depth 62 greater than the first depth 60.

[0045] The common design of a lumbar unit covering the entire span area of ​​the occupant cannot provide torso rotation, nor can it provide zoned massage functions without adding additional air units and valves. Fig. 9Multiple functions of a lumbar support system according to at least one embodiment are illustrated. Starting with four pneumatic functions, the functions implemented are combined lumbar support, trunk rotation or trunk rotation massage, conventional upper and lower lumbar massage, and four (or more) point massage (punctual massage). In a preferred embodiment, the four (or more) pneumatic functions are controlled by an inflation port for each function and a common deflation port, allowing the individual functions to be controlled with a minimum amount of valves. Another embodiment may have a conventional 2 / 2 valve configuration connected to each pneumatic function in the system.

[0046] Fig.10 Various valve configurations that can be used with the system are illustrated. In valve configuration 100, a 2 / 2 valve configuration is illustrated. The 2 / 2 valve configuration 100 has two air ports and two actuator positions. Thus, the valve configuration 100 can be actuated to inflate or deflate.

[0047] In valve configuration 110, a 3 / 2 valve configuration is illustrated. The 3 / 2 valve configuration 110 has three air ports and two actuator positions. This valve configuration 110 is permanently deflated and can be used with systems that do not typically require holding pressure.

[0048] In valve configuration 100, a 3 / 3 valve configuration is illustrated. The 3 / 3 valve configuration 120 has three air ports and three actuator positions. The 3 / 3 valve configuration 120 allows each pneumatic function to be inflated and deflated independently of the rest of the system.

[0049] The 2 / 2 valve configuration 100 may be used to simplify the valve in terms of valve quantity optimization, but may be limited in control because only one function, such as inflation or deflation, may be actuated at a time.

[0050] Applying a multi-zone waist device with 6 functions of massage options, the valve can be simplified by using a 2 / 2 valve configuration 100 of six modules for inflation and one module for deflation control. The same function can be achieved compared to a conventional system using at least four 3 / 3 valves and two 3 / 2 valves.

[0051] Most current massage systems use either a 3 / 2 valve configuration 110 or a 3 / 3 valve configuration 120 .

[0052] Item 1: According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system for a seat, the support system comprising a suspension coupled to a frame of a seat back. A plurality of pneumatic units are coupled to the suspension. Each pneumatic unit is inflatable and independently controllable to inflate between a first position and a second position. A flexible response surface covers a front surface of the plurality of pneumatic units, and the response plate maintains a smooth transition surface when each of the plurality of pneumatic units is inflated to the first position and the second position.

[0053] Item 2: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to Item 1, wherein the response surface maintains the smooth transition surface in a convex profile between each of the pneumatic units.

[0054] Item 3: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to Item 1, wherein the response surface maintains a smooth transition surface that smoothly transitions from at least one vertex defined in the pneumatic units to another vertex defined in the pneumatic units.

[0055] Item 4: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to items 1 to 2, wherein the responsive surface comprises a comfort layer of a seat back.

[0056] Item 5: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to items 1 to 2, wherein the comfort layer includes at least one of hard foam, air elastic technology, soft foam reinforced with felt, dual hardness foam, or gradient hardness foam.

[0057] Item 6: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to items 1 to 2, wherein the response surface includes a response plate coupled to the suspension near an upper edge.

[0058] Item 7: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to items 1 to 6, wherein the response plate is coupled to the suspension only near an upper edge, and a lower edge is free.

[0059] Item 8: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to items 1 to 7, wherein the response plate is coupled to the suspension only near one edge, and the opposite edge is free and not coupled to the suspension.

[0060] Item 9: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to Items 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of pneumatic units are spaced apart in a lateral direction and a vertical direction.

[0061] Item 10: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to Items 1 to 9, wherein each of the plurality of pneumatic units is spaced apart by at least 50% of the corresponding lateral width or vertical height of the pneumatic unit in the lateral direction and the vertical direction.

[0062] Item 11: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to Items 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of pneumatic units includes at least two pneumatic units.

[0063] Item 12: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to Items 1 to 11, wherein the plurality of pneumatic units includes at least four pneumatic units.

[0064] Item 13: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to Items 1 to 12, wherein the plurality of pneumatic units includes at least six pneumatic units.

[0065] Item 14: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to items 1 to 13, wherein the plurality of pneumatic units includes at least two upright rows of pneumatic units extending in an upright direction and spaced apart in a lateral direction.

[0066] Item 15: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to items 1 to 14, wherein the plurality of pneumatic units includes at least two lateral rows of pneumatic units extending in the lateral direction and spaced apart in the upright direction.

[0067] Item 16: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to items 1 to 15, further comprising a valve group in communication with the plurality of pneumatic units and a controller in communication with the valve group. The controller is programmed to command the pneumatic units of the first portion to expand and command the pneumatic units of the second portion to expand to a depth less than the first portion. The flexible response surface maintains the smooth transition surface between the first portion and the second portion.

[0068] Item 17: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to items 1 to 16, wherein the controller is further programmed to receive a command indicating an occupant rotation request. The first portion includes a first row of pneumatic cells extending in the upright direction, and the second portion includes a second row of pneumatic cells extending in the upright direction and spaced apart from the first row in a lateral direction, wherein the first row expands based on the rotation request.

[0069] Item 18: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to items 1 to 17, wherein the rotation request is based on an indication that the occupant is leaving the seat.

[0070] Item 19: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to items 1 to 18, wherein the rotation request is based on vehicle motion.

[0071] Item 20: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to items 1 to 19, wherein the rotation request is based on a detected seating position of an occupant.

[0072] Item 21: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to items 1 to 20, wherein the controller is further programmed to receive a command indicating a massage request. The first portion and the second portion are spaced apart at least in the upright direction. The first portion expands based on the massage request.

[0073] Item 24: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to Items 1 to 21, wherein the controller is configured to command the first part pneumatic unit and the second part pneumatic unit to perform a plurality of functions.

[0074] Item 23: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to items 1 to 24, wherein the valve group includes an inflation port for each of the plurality of functions and a common deflation port for the plurality of functions.

[0075] Item 24: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support system according to Items 1 to 25, wherein the plurality of functions include at least four functions, and the at least four functions include trunk rotation, lumbar support, rotational massage, and up and down massage.

[0076] Item 25: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a seat back having a seat back frame to which the support system according to Item 1 is mounted.

[0077] Item 26: In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a vehicle seat according to Item 25, wherein the plurality of pneumatic units are positioned in a lumbar region of the seat back.

[0078] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, this does not mean that these embodiments describe all possible forms according to the present disclosure. In this regard, the words used in the specification are descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that multiple changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the features of the various embodiments of implementation can be combined to form other embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A support system for a seat, the system comprising: a suspension coupled to a frame of the seat back; a plurality of pneumatic units coupled to the suspension, each pneumatic unit being expandable and independently controllable to expand between a first position and a second position; A flexible response surface covers the front surface of the plurality of air cells, wherein the response plate maintains a smooth transition surface between each of the plurality of air cells when each of the plurality of air cells expands to the first position and the second position.

2. The support system according to claim 1, wherein: The smooth transition surface maintained by the response surface is convexly contoured between each of the pneumatic units.

3. The support system according to claim 1, wherein: The smooth transition surface maintained by the response surface smoothly transitions from a vertex defined by at least one of the pneumatic cells to a vertex defined by another of the pneumatic cells.

4. The support system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: The responsive surface includes a comfort layer of the seat back.

5. The support system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: The comfort layer includes at least one of hard foam, air stretch technology, soft foam reinforced with felt, dual hardness foam or gradient hardness foam.

6. The support system according to claim 1, wherein: The response surface includes a response plate coupled to the suspension near an upper edge.

7. The support system according to claim 6, wherein: The response plate is coupled to the suspension only near the upper edge and the lower edge is free.

8. A support system according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein: The response plate is coupled to the suspension only near one edge, and the opposite edge is free and not coupled to the suspension.

9. The support system according to any one of claims 1 or 6, wherein: The plurality of pneumatic units are spaced apart in a lateral direction and a vertical direction.

10. The support system of claim 9, wherein: Each of the plurality of pneumatic units is spaced apart in the lateral direction and the vertical direction by at least 50% of a corresponding lateral width or vertical height of the pneumatic unit.

11. The support system according to any one of claims 1 or 6, wherein: The plurality of pneumatic units includes at least two pneumatic units.

12. The support system according to any one of claims 1 or 6, wherein: The plurality of pneumatic units includes at least four pneumatic units.

13. The support system according to any one of claims 1 or 6, wherein: The plurality of pneumatic units includes at least six pneumatic units.

14. The support system according to any one of claims 1 or 6, wherein: The plurality of pneumatic units comprises at least two upright rows of pneumatic units extending in the upright direction and spaced apart in the transverse direction.

15. The support system according to any one of claims 1 or 6, wherein: The plurality of pneumatic units comprises at least two transverse rows of pneumatic units extending in the transverse direction and spaced apart in the upright direction.

16. The support system of claim 1, further comprising: a valve group, the valve group being in communication with the plurality of pneumatic units; a controller in communication with the valve block and programmed to: -- commanding a first portion of the pneumatic unit to expand; -- commanding the second portion of the pneumatic unit to expand to a depth less than that of the first portion, Wherein, the flexible response surface maintains a smooth transition surface between the first part and the second part.

17. The support system of claim 16, wherein: The controller is also programmed to: receiving a command indicative of an occupant's rotation request; wherein the first portion includes a first row of pneumatic cells extending in the upright direction, and the second portion includes a second row of pneumatic cells extending in the upright direction and spaced apart from the first row in a lateral direction, wherein the first row of pneumatic cells expands based on the rotation request.

18. A support system according to any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein: The rotation request is based on an indication that the occupant is exiting the seat.

19. A support system according to any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein: The rotation request is based on vehicle motion.

20. A support system according to any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein: The rotation request is based on a detected seating position of an occupant.

21. A support system according to any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein: The controller is also programmed to: receiving a command indicating a massage request, wherein the first portion and the second portion are spaced apart at least in the upright direction, and Wherein, the first portion is expanded based on the massage request.

22. The support system of claim 16, wherein: The controller is configured to command the first portion pneumatic unit and the second portion pneumatic unit to perform a plurality of functions.

23. A support system according to any one of claims 16 or 22, wherein: The valve group comprises: a respective inflation port for each of the plurality of functions; and A common bleed port is provided for the plurality of functions.

24. A support system according to any one of claims 16 or 22, wherein: The plurality of functions include at least four functions, and the at least four functions include trunk rotation, lumbar support, rotation massage, and up and down massage.

25. A vehicle seat, comprising: Seat back with seat back frame ； The support system of claim 1 mounted to the seat back frame.

26. The vehicle seat of claim 25, wherein: The plurality of pneumatic units are positioned in a lumbar region of the seat back.

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