Fluid dispensing system for vehicle seat

Abstract

A fluid dispensing system for a vehicle seat includes first and second sheets of thermoplastic polyurethane and a plurality of connectors. The first and second sheets of thermoplastic polyurethane are joined together to form a plurality of fluid flow channels. Each fluid flow channel is fluidly connected to a massage bladder. Each connector includes a flange, a tube, and one or more protrusions. A flange is positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet within one of the fluid flow channels. A tube extends from the hole in the flange through the hole in the first sheet. A protrusion extends from the flange and partially surrounds an aperture in the flange to separate the flange from the second sheet. A fluid pump is selectively fluidly connected to the tube of the connector through a valve network.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 590,169, filed on October 13, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a fluid distribution system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a fluid distribution system for distributing air to a massage chamber of a vehicle seat, wherein the system includes a right angle connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle seat having an air-powered massage system.

[0006] Figure 2 Is applicable to Figure 1 A top view of an air distribution system for a vehicle seat.

[0007] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A first cross-sectional view of an air distribution system showing the channels.

[0008] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A second cross-sectional view of the air distribution system showing the connectors.

[0009] Figure 5 is a bottom view of a first embodiment of one of the connectors.

[0010] Figure 6 is a bottom view of a second embodiment of one of the connectors.

[0011] Figure 7 is a bottom view of a third embodiment of one of the connectors. Detailed Description

[0013] 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 is 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 to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0014] It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, and that different and alternative forms are possible. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or reduced in order to show the details of particular 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.

[0015] “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.

[0016] It should also be understood that although in some cases, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used 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, a first contact can be called a second contact, and similarly, a second contact can be called a 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.

[0017] The terms used in the description of the various embodiments described herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments 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 also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed 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 features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their combinations. Except in the examples, or otherwise clearly indicated, all numerical quantities indicating the amount of material or the conditions of reaction and / or use in this description should be understood to be modified by the word "about" when describing the broadest scope of the present invention. The terms "substantially," "approximately," or "about" may be used herein and may modify a value or related property disclosed or claimed. In such cases, "substantially," "approximately," or "about" may mean that the value or relative property it modifies is within ±0%, ±0.1%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, or ±10% of that value or relative property. Practice within the stated numerical limits is generally preferred.

[0018] It should also be understood that integer ranges (for example, for measurement or size) explicitly include all integers in between. For example, integer ranges 1 to 10 explicitly include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Similarly, ranges 1 to 100 include 1, 2, 3, 4, ..., 97, 98, 99, 100. Similarly, when any range is required, the difference between the upper and lower limits divided by 10 as the middle digit of the increment can be regarded as an optional upper or lower limit. For example, if the range is 1.1 to 2.1, the following digits 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 and 2.0 can be selected as lower or upper limits. In the specific example set forth herein, concentration, temperature and reaction conditions (such as pressure, pH, flow rate, etc.) can be practiced with plus or minus 50% of the indicated value rounded to three significant figures. In a refinement, the concentrations, temperatures, and reaction conditions (e.g., pressure, pH, flow rate, etc.) may be practiced at plus or minus 30% of the indicated values ​​rounded to three significant figures of the values ​​provided in the examples. In another refinement, the concentrations, temperatures, and reaction conditions (e.g., pressure, pH, flow rate, etc.) may be practiced at plus or minus 10% of the indicated values ​​rounded to three significant figures of the values ​​provided in the examples.

[0019] 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.

[0020] It should be understood that terms such as "about," "substantially," and "approximately" are not intended to be open-ended terms, and should be interpreted in the same manner as those skilled in the art would interpret these terms.

[0021] It should also be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may vary of course. In addition, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0022] Figure 1A vehicle seat 10 is shown. The seat includes a frame 12 that supports a bottom cushion 14 and a back cushion 16. In one example, the bottom cushion 14 can be mounted to a fixed vehicle structure and can be adjusted in multiple different directions (e.g., front / back, up / down). In one example, the back cushion 16 is supported in an upright position relative to the bottom cushion 14 and can be adjusted in multiple different directions (e.g., front / back, up / down, tilt). A group of massage bladders 18 are positioned between the frame and one or more cushions. A fluid (e.g., air) distribution network 20 selectively distributes air from a fluid source (e.g., an air pump 22) to the massage bladders 18. A valve network 24 selectively directs air to a subset of the massage bladders 18. An occupant sitting in the vehicle seat 10 can feel the inflation and deflation of the massage bladders 18 through the seat cushions.

[0023] Figure 2 An air distribution network 20 is shown. Although designed to distribute air, the network can be used to distribute other fluids, such as water, oil, etc. The air distribution network is made of two sheets of a polymer material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In an embodiment, the two sheets include a top sheet 30 and a bottom sheet 32, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 Most clearly shown in cross section. In an embodiment, the two sheets are joined together by a set of welds 34 to form a number of flow channels 36, 38 and 40. In one example, the channels 36, 38 and 40 extend to a location where each channel connects to one of the massage bladders 18.

[0024] In an embodiment, a connector 42 is associated with the channels to inject air into each channel at a right angle. Such a connector can also be used to deliver air from the channels. Figure 4 The structure of the connector 42 is most clearly depicted in cross section in FIG. The connector includes a disc-shaped flange 44 disposed between the top sheet 30 and the bottom sheet 32. A tube 46 extends from the flange through a hole 48 in the top sheet 30. The top sheet 30 may be welded to the top surface of the flange 44 along a weld line 50 surrounding the hole 48, thereby preventing air from escaping through the hole 48. In an embodiment, a set of protrusions 52 at least partially surround the hole 54 ( Figures 5 to 7 ) to separate the bottom surface of the flange 44 from the bottom sheet 32, thereby allowing air to flow freely from the tube 46 to the associated channel.

[0025] The weld may be formed using any technique for producing a gas-tight joint, such as high frequency welding. The connector 42 may be made of the same material as the sheet, such as TPU, to facilitate welding of the flange to the top sheet.

[0026] Figure 5FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the connector showing a protrusion 52 extending from the flange 44 and a hole 54 in the flange that is partially surrounded by the protrusion 52. Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, four arc-shaped protrusions are equally spaced around the hole 54. In this embodiment, the number of such protrusions can vary from two to more than four. The space between the protrusions provides a flow path from the hole 54 to the channel. Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of connector 42. Figure 6 In the connector 42', a single arcuate protrusion 56 partially surrounds the hole 54. Figure 7 In the connector 42″ of FIG. 5 , a set of six circular posts 58 partially surround the hole 54 . The number of posts may vary, and they are not necessarily equidistant from each other or from the hole 54 .

[0027] In an embodiment, a connector may include a flange, a tube, and one or more protrusions, wherein the flange includes a hole connected to the fluid of a fluid distribution network formed between a first sheet material and a second sheet material, the tube is connected to the hole in the flange, and the one or more protrusions extend from a side of the flange opposite to the tube.

[0028] In an embodiment, the connector may include any of the following alone or in any combination.For example, the connector may allow a flange to be positioned between a first sheet material and a second sheet material.

[0029] For example, the connector may allow one or more protrusions to at least partially surround a hole in the flange.

[0030] For example, the connector may allow a tube to extend from a flange to a distal end that is in fluid communication with a fluid source.

[0031] In an embodiment, a device may include: a fluid distribution network formed between a first sheet material and a second sheet material, wherein the first sheet material and the second sheet material are joined together to form one or more fluid flow channels; and at least one connector, each connector including: a flange, the flange including a hole connected to the fluid of one of the one or more fluid flow channels; a tube, the tube being connected to the fluid of the hole in the flange; and one or more protrusions, the one or more protrusions extending outward from the flange.

[0032] For example, the arrangement may allow a flange to be positioned between a first sheet material and a second sheet material.

[0033] For example, the device may allow a tube to extend from a flange to a distal end that is in fluid communication with a fluid source.

[0034] For example, the arrangement may allow a tube to extend from a flange through a hole in a first sheet material, and wherein one or more projections extend from one side of the flange and are engageable with an inner surface of a second sheet material.

[0035] For example, the apparatus may allow the first sheet material to be joined to the top surface of the flange along an attachment interface surrounding the aperture.

[0036] For example, the arrangement may allow one or more protrusions to at least partially surround a hole in the flange.

[0037] For example, the device may allow one or more protrusions to comprise a single arc-shaped protrusion.

[0038] For example, the device may allow the one or more protrusions to comprise a plurality of discrete protrusions spaced circumferentially from one another about the aperture.

[0039] For example, the device may allow the one or more fluid flow channels to include a plurality of fluid flow channels, and the at least one connector to include a plurality of connectors, and wherein each fluid flow channel is associated with one of the plurality of connectors.

[0040] For example, the device may allow each fluid flow channel to be fluidly connected to at least one fluid bladder.

[0041] For example, the apparatus may allow at least one seat cushion to be associated with at least one fluid bladder.

[0042] For example, the apparatus may allow the first sheet material, the second sheet material and the at least one connector to be formed from the same material.

[0043] In an embodiment, a component may include a seat pad, a plurality of fluid bladders associated with the seat pad, a fluid distribution network formed between a first sheet material and a second sheet material, and a plurality of connectors, wherein the first sheet material and the second sheet material are joined together to form a plurality of fluid flow channels, and wherein each fluid flow channel is associated with at least one fluid bladder of the plurality of fluid bladders, wherein each connector comprises: a flange positioned between the first sheet material and the second sheet material, wherein the flange comprises a hole fluidly connected to one of the plurality of fluid flow channels; a tube extending from the flange through the hole in the first sheet material; and one or more protrusions extending from the flange toward the second sheet material.

[0044] For example, the assembly may have a fluid pump that is fluidly connected to the distal end of each tube via a valve network.

[0045] For example, assembly may allow the first sheet material to be joined to the top surface of the flange along an attachment interface surrounding the aperture.

[0046] For example, the assembly may allow one or more protrusions to at least partially surround a hole in a flange, and wherein: the one or more protrusions include a single arcuate protrusion; or, the one or more protrusions include a plurality of discrete protrusions spaced circumferentially from one another around the hole.

[0047] Aspect 1. A connector comprising: a flange, a tube, and one or more protrusions. The flange is sized to be positioned between a first sheet and a second sheet of a polymeric material. The tube extends from a hole in the flange. The protrusion extends from a side of the flange opposite the tube and partially surrounds the hole in the flange to separate the flange from the second sheet.

[0048] Aspect 2. The connector according to aspect 1, wherein the connector is made of a polymer material.

[0049] Aspect 3. The connector according to aspect 2, wherein the connector is made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0050] Aspect 4. A device comprising: a first sheet and a second sheet of polymeric material and at least one connector. The first sheet and the second sheet of polymeric material are joined together to form a fluid flow channel. Each connector comprises: a flange, a tube, and one or more protrusions. The flange is positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet in one of the fluid flow channels. The tube extends from a hole in the flange through a hole in the first sheet. The protrusion extends from the flange, partially surrounds the hole in the flange and separates the flange from the second sheet.

[0051] Aspect 5. The device according to aspect 4, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0052] Aspect 6. The device according to aspect 4 or 5, further comprising at least one massage bladder fluidly connected to the at least one flow channel.

[0053] Aspect 7. The apparatus according to aspect 6, further comprising a seat pad adjacent to the at least one massage bladder to apply a massage effect from a fluid passing through the at least one connector, the at least one flow channel, and the at least one massage bladder.

[0054] Aspect 8. The device according to any one of aspects 4 to 7, wherein at least one connector is made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0055] Aspect 9. The device according to any one of aspects 4 to 8, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are joined using welding around at least one connector.

[0056] Aspect 10. The device according to any one of aspects 4 to 9, wherein a surface of the flange is bonded to the first sheet.

[0057] Aspect 11. The device according to any one of aspects 4 to 10, wherein the tube is on a side of the flange opposite to the protrusion.

[0058] Aspect 12. The device according to any one of aspects 4 to 11, further comprising a fluid pump fluidly connected to the tube.

[0059] Aspect 13. The device according to aspect 12, wherein the fluid pump is selectively fluidly connected to the tube via a valve.

[0060] Aspect 14. The apparatus according to aspect 4, wherein the at least one connector comprises a plurality of connectors.

[0061] Aspect 15. The device according to aspect 14, wherein the sheets are joined to form a plurality of flow channels, each flow channel surrounding one of the connectors.

[0062] Aspect 16. The device of aspect 15, further comprising a plurality of massage bladders, each massage bladder being fluidly connected to one of the flow channels.

[0063] Aspect 17. The device according to any one of aspects 14 to 16, further comprising a fluid pump fluidly connected to the tubes of the plurality of connectors.

[0064] Aspect 18. The device according to aspect 17, wherein the fluid pump is selectively fluidly connected to the tubes of the plurality of connectors via a valve.

[0065] Aspect 19. A vehicle seat comprising: a cushion, a plurality of massage bladders, a first sheet and a second sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane, and a plurality of connectors. The plurality of massage bladders are adjacent to the cushion. The first sheet and the second sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane are joined together to form a plurality of fluid flow channels, each fluid flow channel being fluidly connected to one of the plurality of massage bladders. Each connector comprises: a flange, a tube, and one or more protrusions. The flange is positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet within one of the fluid flow channels. The tube extends from a hole in the flange through a hole in the first sheet. The protrusion extends from the flange and partially surrounds the hole in the flange, thereby separating the flange from the second sheet.

[0066] Aspect 20. The vehicle seat of aspect 19, further comprising a fluid pump selectively fluidly connected to the tubes of the plurality of connectors via a valve network.

[0067] Other aspects consistent with the above disclosed embodiments and combinations thereof are also contemplated.

[0068] 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 this specification are descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the features of various implementation embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising: a flange sized to be positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet of polymeric material; a tube extending from the hole in the flange; and One or more protrusions extend from a side of the flange opposite the tube and partially surround the hole in the flange to separate the flange from the second sheet.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The connector is made of polymer material.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein: The connector is made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

4. A device comprising: a first sheet and a second sheet of a polymeric material, the first sheet and the second sheet being joined together to form one or more fluid flow channels; and At least one connector, each connector comprising: a flange positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet within one of the fluid flow channels; a tube extending from the hole in the flange through the hole in the first sheet, and One or more protrusions extend from the flange, partially surrounding the hole in the flange and separating the flange from the second sheet.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The first sheet and the second sheet are made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

6. The device of claim 5, further comprising at least one massage bladder fluidly connected to at least one of the one or more fluid flow channels.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a seat pad adjacent to the at least one massage bladder to apply a massaging effect from the fluid passing through the at least one connector, the at least one flow channel, and the at least one massage bladder.

8. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one connector is made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

9. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The first sheet and the second sheet are joined using welding around the at least one connector.

10. The device according to claim 4, wherein: A surface of the flange is bonded to the first sheet.

11. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The tube is on a side of the flange opposite the one or more protrusions.

12. The device of claim 4, further comprising a fluid pump fluidly connected to the tube.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The fluid pump is selectively fluidly connected to the tube via a valve.

14. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one connector includes a plurality of connectors.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The first sheet and the second sheet are joined to form a plurality of flow channels, each flow channel surrounding a connector.

16. The device of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of massage bladders, each massage bladder being fluidly connected to one of the one or more flow channels.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a fluid pump fluidly connected to the tubes of the plurality of connectors.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein: The fluid pump is selectively fluidly connected to the tubes of the plurality of connectors via a valve.

19. A vehicle seat, comprising: liner; a plurality of massage bladders adjacent to the cushion; a first sheet and a second sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane, the first sheet and the second sheet being joined together to form a plurality of fluid flow channels, each fluid flow channel being fluidly connected to one of the plurality of massage bladders; and Multiple connectors, each connector includes: a flange positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet within one of the fluid flow channels, a tube extending from the hole in the flange through the hole in the first sheet, and One or more protrusions extend from the flange, partially surrounding the hole in the flange and separating the flange from the second sheet.

20. The vehicle seat of claim 19, further comprising a fluid pump selectively fluidly connected to the tubes of the plurality of connectors through a valve network.

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