Filling and active venting of massage bladders

Abstract

The invention relates to filling and active venting of massage bladders. A method and apparatus includes: a pump; at least one fluid bladder fluidly connected to the pump, the at least one fluid bladder movable between an inflated state and a deflated state; and at least one valve downstream of the pump and the at least one fluid bladder. A connector is connected to the pump, the at least one fluid bladder, and the at least one valve. The pump selectively fills the at least one fluid bladder to an inflated state, and the at least one valve selectively and actively deflates the at least one fluid bladder.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 593,271, filed on October 26, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. background

[0004] Some vehicles may include seats associated with massaging bladders that are selectively activated for the comfort of an occupant. The seat includes a valve arrangement that fluidly couples the bladder to a fluid supply source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1A is an example of an inflation and deflation system for a fluid bladder in an inflated state.

[0007] Figure 1B It is in a state of release Figure 1A system.

[0008] Figure 2A is with Figure 1A to Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of an example of a connector for use with the system.

[0009] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A An end view of the connector is shown, with section 2A-2A taken through the end view.

[0010] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A Front view of the connector.

[0011] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A Bottom view of the connector.

[0012] Figure 3A is another example of an inflation and deflation system for a fluid bladder in an inflated state.

[0013] Figure 3B It is in a state of release Figure 3A system.

[0014] Figure 4A is another example of an inflation and deflation system for a fluid bladder in an inflated state.

[0015] Figure 4B It is in a state of release Figure 4A system.

[0016] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of another example of a connector.

[0017] Figure 5B yes Figure 5AAn end view of the connector is shown, with section 5A-5A taken through the end view.

[0018] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A Front view of the connector.

[0019] Figure 5D yes Figure 5A Bottom view of the connector. Detailed Description

[0021] 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.

[0022] “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.

[0023] 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 may be referred to as a second contact, and similarly, a second contact may be referred to as 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 interpret these terms.

[0027] The present disclosure relates to an inflation / deflation system for a fluid bladder in a vehicle seat. In one example, the fluid bladder comprises a massage bladder, and the system comprises active deflation using a pump utilizing a vacuum effect and / or a pneumatic connector utilizing a vacuum effect (vacuum generator), or using a pump having multiple valves.

[0028] Figure 1A to Figure 1B One example of an inflation / deflation system 10 for one or more fluid bladders 12 for use in a vehicle seat 14 is shown. Figure 1A shows the inflated state, while Figure 1B The deflated state is shown. The system 10 includes a pump 16, such as a pneumatic fluid pump, fluidically connected to the fluid bladder 12. The pump 16 is connected to an inlet 17 that supplies air into the pump 16. In one example, the fluid bladder 12 includes a pneumatic unit that can be inflated and deflated when the unit is filled or emptied with air. The fluid bladder 12 can change between an inflated state in which fluid is added to the bladder 12 from the pump and a deflated state in which fluid is discharged from the bladder 12. At least one valve 18 is positioned downstream of the pump 16 and the at least one fluid bladder 12. In one example, the valve 18 includes a two-way valve that can be inflated or deflated.

[0029] In one example, the connector 20 is connected to the pump 16, at least one fluid bladder 12, and at least one valve 18. In one example, the connector 20 includes a multiple-prong connector. The pump 16 selectively inflates at least one fluid bladder 12 to an inflated state, and at least one valve 18 selectively and actively deflates at least one fluid bladder 12. In one example, when there are multiple bladders 12, each bladder 12 is selectively and actively inflated and deflated. In one example, one or more actuators / controllers 22 are selectively used to turn on / off the pump 16, and selectively used to control the position of the valve 18.

[0030] One or more controllers 22 may include a processor, a memory, and one or more input and / or output (I / O) device interfaces that are communicatively connected via a local interface. The local interface may include, for example, but not limited to, one or more buses and / or other wired or wireless connectors. The controller 22 may be a hardware device for executing software, particularly software stored in a memory. The controller 22 may be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor in several processors associated with a computing device, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or any device generally used to execute software instructions. The memory may include any one or a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, VRAM, etc.) and / or non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CD-ROM, etc.). The software in the memory may include one or more separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing a logical function. The controller 22 may be configured to execute software stored in the memory, transfer data to and from the memory, and generally control the operation of the computing device according to the software. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this description will be able to determine what type of controller / actuator 22 should be used for these purposes.

[0031] In one example, active bleeding occurs using a vacuum effect via a Venturi structure or a vacuum generator. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the example shown in FIG, connector 20 creates a vacuum to draw fluid from bladder 12. Connector 20 is a multi-channel connector having a first channel 24 fluidly connected to pump 16, a second channel 26 fluidly connected to fluid bladder 12, and a third channel 28 fluidly connected to valve 18. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2DAn example of a multi-channel connector 20 is shown. In this example, the connector 20 comprises a T-shaped connector, wherein the second channel 26 is perpendicular to the first channel 24 and the third channel 28.

[0032] In another example, the connector 20 comprises an angled connector, wherein the second channel 26 is not perpendicular to the first channel 24 and the third channel 28. In one example, the second channel 26 is at a 45 degree angle A relative to the axis defined by the first channel 24 and the third channel 28 (see FIG. Figure 5A ). Other angles can be used for other configurations as needed. Such configurations have optimized flow patterns and higher levels of vacuum compared to T-connector configurations.

[0033] like Figure 2A As shown, one of the channels of the connector 20 has a restriction feature to produce a vacuum effect. In this example, the first channel 24 has a diameter variation portion, which includes a first portion 30 and a second portion 32, the diameter D1 of the first portion 30 is smaller than the diameter D2 of the second portion 32, wherein the second portion 32 is upstream of the first portion 30. Therefore, at least two connected flow paths in the connector 20 have different diameters from each other. The first flow path segment within the connector body is defined by the internal connector surface surrounding the first flow path segment. The second flow path segment within the connector body is defined by the internal connector surface surrounding the second flow path segment. In one example, the first channel 24 includes a third portion 34 that transitions between the first portion 30 and the second portion 32. In one example, the third portion 34 includes a thick and thin gradually changing portion, wherein the diameter increases continuously from one end at the first diameter D1 of the third portion 34 to the opposite end at the second diameter D2 of the third portion 34. Air enters the assembled connector 20 through the first channel 24, is accelerated as it passes through the narrowed channel portions 34 and 30, and then as the flow path widens at the third channel 28, additional air is drawn through the second (eg, top) channel 26 via a vacuum effect.

[0034] like Figure 1A As shown, the inflation state includes the valve closed state (see 36) of the valve 18 (e.g., no flow state) and the open state of the pump 16 (e.g., pump active state). The fluid is pumped through the first fluid line 38, through the first channel 24 and the second channel 26 of the connector 20, and then into the second fluid line 40, which supplies the fluid bladder 12 for inflation. Figure 1BAs shown, the bleed state includes a valve open state (see 42) of the valve 18, for example, a forward flow state, while the pump 16 is in the pump on state. Fluid flows from the pump 16 into the first fluid line 38 and then into the first channel 24 and the third channel 28 of the connector 20, wherein the fluid velocity increases as it flows from the second portion 32 of the first channel 24 into / through the first portion 30 of the first channel 24, thereby creating a vacuum to draw fluid out of the fluid bladder and into the second fluid line 40, as shown at 44, for bleed. The fluid exits the third channel 28 and enters the third fluid line 46 associated with the valve 18. The valve 18 comprises a two-way valve, wherein there are two flow states, namely, the valve 18 is configured to only stop flow or allow flow.

[0035] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Another example of an inflation / deflation system 10' for one or more fluid bladders 12 used in a vehicle seat 14 is shown, where a vacuum is created by using a vacuum generator 50 to draw fluid from the bladder 12. In one example, the vacuum generator 50 uses a venturi nozzle or other venturi structure to create a low pressure area that allows atmospheric pressure outside the vacuum to push air in through an inlet port to create suction. In this example, the system 10' includes a first valve 52 and a second valve 54. The connector 56 includes a multi-channel connector having a first channel 58 fluidly connected to the pump 16, a second channel 60 fluidly connected to the fluid bladder 12 via the first valve 52, and a third channel 62 fluidly connected to the vacuum generator 50. The connector 56 may include a T-connector or an angled connector as described above.

[0036] In this example, the first valve 52 and the second valve 54 both comprise two-way valves, each of which has two flow states. The valves 52, 54 are configured to only stop flow or allow flow. Figure 3A ), the pump 16 is turned on, the first valve 52 is opened to allow flow, as shown at 64, and the second valve 54 located downstream of the vacuum generator 50 is closed, as shown at 66. The fluid flows into the first passage 58, and then flows into both the second passage 60 and the third passage 62. The flow exiting the second passage 60 flows through the first valve 52 and flows into the first connecting line 68 associated with the bladder 12. The flow exiting the third passage 62 flows through the vacuum generator 50 and enters the second connecting line 70, which is connected to the first connecting line 68 at a location between the first valve 52 and the bladder 12. The fluid flows through the first connecting line 68 and flows into the bladder 12 for filling.

[0037] In the release state ( Figure 3B), the pump 16 is turned on, the first valve 52 is closed to block flow, as shown at 72, and the second valve 54 is opened, as shown at 74. Fluid flows into the first passage 58, and then flows only into the third passage 62 because the flow into the second passage 60 is blocked by the first valve 52 being closed. The flow leaving the third passage 62 flows through the vacuum generator 50 and enters the third connecting line 76 associated with the second valve 54. The vacuum generator 50 pulls flow from the bladder 12, so that the flow from the first connecting line 68 is sucked into the second connecting line 70, through the generator 50, and then through the second valve 54 and into the third connecting line 76 for discharge. In one example, one or more controllers / actuators 22 are selectively used to turn the pump 16 on / off, and selectively used to control the position of the valves 52, 54. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this description will be able to determine what type of controller / actuator should be used for these purposes.

[0038] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B Another example of an inflation / deflation system 10" for one or more fluid bladders 12 used in a vehicle seat 14 is shown, where multiple valves are used for inflation and deflation. In this example, the system 10" includes a first valve 80 and a second valve 82, where the first valve 80 is upstream of a pump inlet 84 and connected to an atmospheric inlet 86, and the second valve 82 is downstream of a pump outlet 88 and connected to an atmospheric outlet 90. A multi-channel connector 92 has a first channel 94 fluidly connected to the bladder 12, a second channel 96 fluidly connected to the first valve 80, and a third channel 98 fluidly connected to the second valve 82. The connector 92 may include a T-connector or an angled connector as described above.

[0039] In this example, the first valve 80 and the second valve 82 both comprise two-way valves, each having two flow states. The valves 80, 82 are configured to only stop flow or allow flow. Figure 4A ), the first valve 80 is in a first position (see 100) that blocks flow from the bladder inlet / outlet 102 to the pump inlet 84, and the second valve 82 is in a first position (see 104) that blocks flow from the pump 16 to the atmosphere outlet 90. Fluid enters from the atmosphere inlet 86, passes through the pump 16, flows through the second valve 82 to the bladder inlet / outlet 102 for inflation. In the deflated state ( Figure 4B), the first valve 80 is in a second position (see 106) that allows flow from the bladder inlet / outlet 102 to the pump inlet 84, and the second valve 82 is in a second position (see 108) that blocks flow from the pump 16 to the bladder inlet / outlet 102 while connecting to the atmospheric outlet 90. Fluid enters from the bladder inlet / outlet 102, passes through the first valve 80 and the pump inlet 84, passes through the pump 16, and flows through the second valve 82 to the atmospheric outlet 90 for active venting. In one example, one or more controllers / actuators 22 are used to selectively turn the pump 16 on / off, and to selectively control the positions of the valves 80, 82. Those skilled in the art, with the benefit of this description, will be able to determine what type of controller / actuator should be used for these purposes.

[0040] In one example, the seat 14 includes a plurality of fluid bladders 12 , wherein each bladder 12 includes an individually inflatable pneumatic cell. The pump 16 includes a single pump for use with the plurality of fluid bladders 12 .

[0041] In an embodiment, a device may include: a pump; at least one fluid bladder, the at least one fluid bladder being fluidly connected to the pump, the at least one fluid bladder being capable of changing between an inflated state and a deflated state; at least one valve, the at least one valve being downstream of the pump and the at least one fluid bladder; and a connector connected to the pump, the at least one fluid bladder, and the at least one valve, wherein the pump selectively inflates the at least one fluid bladder to an inflated state, and the at least one valve selectively and actively deflates the at least one fluid bladder.

[0042] The device may also include one or more of the following items alone or in any combination.

[0043] The means may include active venting utilizing a vacuum effect.

[0044] The apparatus may include wherein the connector is a multi-channel connector having a first channel fluidly connected to the pump, a second channel fluidly connected to the at least one fluid bladder, and a third channel fluidly connected to the at least one valve.

[0045] The device may include: wherein the first channel has a diameter variation portion, the diameter variation portion has a first portion and a second portion, the diameter of the first portion is smaller than the diameter of the second portion, and the second portion is upstream of the first portion.

[0046] The device may include: wherein: the inflated state includes a valve closed state of the at least one valve and a pump on state of the pump; and the deflated state includes an open valve state of the at least one valve while the pump is in the pump on state, and wherein the fluid velocity increases as the fluid flows from the second portion of the first channel into the first portion of the first channel, thereby generating a vacuum to draw fluid from the at least one fluid bladder.

[0047] The apparatus may include wherein the at least one valve comprises a two-way valve.

[0048] The device may include: a vacuum generator, and wherein the at least one valve includes at least a first valve and a second valve, and wherein the connector includes a multi-channel connector having a first channel fluidly connected to the pump, a second channel fluidly connected to at least one fluid bladder via the first valve, and a third channel fluidly connected to the vacuum generator.

[0049] The apparatus may include wherein the first valve and the second valve comprise two-way valves.

[0050] The device may include: wherein at least one valve includes at least a first valve and a second valve, and wherein the first valve is upstream of the pump inlet and connected to the atmospheric inlet, and wherein the second valve is downstream of the pump outlet and connected to the atmospheric outlet, and wherein: the inflated state includes the first valve being in a first position that blocks flow from the bladder inlet / outlet to the pump inlet, the second valve being in a first position that blocks flow from the pump out to the atmosphere, and wherein fluid enters from the atmospheric inlet, passes through the pump, passes through the second valve, and flows to the bladder inlet / outlet; and the deflated state includes the first valve being in a second position that allows flow from the bladder inlet / outlet to the pump inlet, the second valve being in a second position that blocks flow from the pump to the bladder inlet / outlet while being connected to the atmospheric outlet, and wherein fluid enters from the bladder inlet / outlet, passes through the pump inlet, passes through the pump, and passes through the second valve to the atmospheric outlet.

[0051] The apparatus may include wherein the first valve and the second valve comprise two-way valves.

[0052] The apparatus may include wherein the at least one fluid bladder comprises a plurality of fluid bladders, and wherein the pump comprises a single pump for use with the plurality of fluid bladders.

[0053] A method of actively deflation of a massage bladder using a vacuum effect using a pump or using a plurality of valves using a pump is also disclosed. In one example, the method includes: fluidly connecting at least one fluid bladder to a pump; positioning at least one valve downstream of the pump and the at least one fluid bladder; selectively and actively filling the at least one fluid bladder to an inflated state using the pump; and selectively and actively defusing the at least one fluid bladder to a deflated state through at least one valve.

[0054] The method may also include one or more of the following steps alone or in any combination.

[0055] The method may include generating a vacuum effect for active venting. In one example, the vacuum effect is generated by a venturi structure or a vacuum generator.

[0056] The method may include providing a multi-channel connector, the multi-channel connector including at least a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. The method may also include: fluidly connecting the first channel to a pump; fluidly connecting the second channel to at least one fluid bladder; and fluidly connecting the third channel to at least one valve. The connector may include a T-connector or an angled connector as described above.

[0057] The method may include providing a first passage having a varying diameter portion, the varying diameter portion having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the second portion, the second portion being upstream of the first portion.

[0058] The method may include, wherein the inflation state comprises the steps of closing at least one valve and activating a pump; and the deflation state comprises the steps of opening at least one valve and activating a pump, whereby a flow velocity increases as the flow passes through the first portion of the first channel, thereby creating a vacuum to draw fluid out of the at least one fluid bladder.

[0059] The method may include providing a vacuum generator, and wherein the at least one valve includes at least a first valve and a second valve, and wherein the connector includes a multi-channel connector, the multi-channel connector including at least a first channel, a second channel and a third channel, and including: fluidly connecting the first channel to the; fluidly connecting the second channel to at least one fluid bladder via the first valve; and fluidly connecting the third channel to the vacuum generator.

[0060] The method may comprise providing at least one valve, such as at least a first valve and a second valve, and wherein the first valve is upstream of a pump inlet and connected to an atmospheric inlet, and wherein the second valve is downstream of a pump outlet and connected to an atmospheric outlet, and wherein:

[0061] The inflated state includes the steps of: positioning the first valve in a first position that blocks flow from the bladder inlet / outlet to the pump inlet; positioning the second valve in a first position that blocks flow away from the pump to atmosphere, and wherein fluid flows from the atmosphere inlet, through the pump, through the second valve, to the bladder inlet / outlet; and

[0062] The deflated state includes the steps of positioning the first valve in a second position that allows flow from the bladder inlet / outlet to the pump inlet; positioning the second valve in a second position that blocks flow from the pump to the bladder inlet / outlet while connecting to the atmospheric outlet, and wherein fluid enters from the bladder inlet / outlet, passes through the pump inlet, passes through the pump, and then flows through the second valve to the atmospheric outlet.

[0063] The method may include providing a first valve and a second valve, such as a two-way valve.

[0064] The method may include providing at least one fluid bladder, such as a plurality of fluid bladders, and wherein the pump comprises a single pump, and including controlling inflation and deflation of the plurality of fluid bladders using the single pump.

[0065] Although different examples have specific components shown in the drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those specific combinations. Some components or features in one example may be used in combination with features or components in another example. In addition, the various drawings accompanying the present disclosure are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be enlarged or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above embodiments are exemplary and not restrictive. That is, modifications to the present disclosure will fall within the scope of the claims. Therefore, the appended claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

Claims

1. A device comprising: Pumps; at least one fluid bladder, the at least one fluid bladder fluidly connected to the pump, the at least one fluid bladder movable between an inflated state and a deflated state; at least one valve, the at least one valve downstream of the pump and the at least one fluid bladder; and A connector is connected to the pump, the at least one fluid bladder, and the at least one valve, wherein the pump selectively inflates the at least one fluid bladder to the inflated state and the at least one valve selectively and actively deflates the at least one fluid bladder.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Active release using vacuum effect.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The connector is a multi-channel connector having a first channel fluidly connected to the pump, a second channel fluidly connected to the at least one fluid bladder, and a third channel fluidly connected to the at least one valve.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The first passage has a diameter variation portion, the diameter variation portion having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the second portion, the second portion being upstream of the first portion.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The inflation state comprises a valve closed state of the at least one valve and a pump open state of the pump; and The deflate state comprises a valve open state of the at least one valve while the pump is in the pump on state, and wherein fluid velocity increases as fluid flows from the second portion of the first channel into the first portion of the first channel, thereby creating a vacuum to draw fluid out of the at least one fluid bladder.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one valve comprises a two-way valve.

7. The device according to claim 2, comprising a vacuum generator, and wherein: The at least one valve comprises at least a first valve and a second valve, and wherein the connector comprises a multi-channel connector having a first channel fluidly connected to the pump, a second channel fluidly connected to the at least one fluid bladder via the first valve, and a third channel fluidly connected to the vacuum generator.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The first valve and the second valve include two-way valves.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one valve comprises at least a first valve and a second valve, and wherein the first valve is upstream of the pump inlet and connected to the atmosphere inlet, and wherein the second valve is downstream of the pump outlet and connected to the atmosphere outlet, and wherein: The inflated state comprises the first valve being in a first position blocking flow from the bladder inlet / outlet to the pump inlet, the second valve being in a first position blocking flow away from the pump to atmosphere, and wherein fluid flows from the atmosphere inlet, through the pump, through the second valve, to the bladder inlet / outlet; and The deflated state comprises the first valve being in a second position allowing flow from the bladder inlet / outlet to the pump inlet, the second valve being in a second position blocking flow from the pump to the bladder inlet / outlet while being connected to an atmospheric outlet, and wherein fluid enters from the bladder inlet / outlet, passes through the pump inlet, passes through the pump and flows through the second valve to the atmospheric outlet.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The first valve and the second valve include two-way valves.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one fluid bladder comprises a plurality of fluid bladders, and wherein the pump comprises a single pump for use with the plurality of fluid bladders.

12. A method comprising: fluidly connecting at least one fluid bladder to a pump; positioning at least one valve downstream of the pump and the at least one fluid bladder; selectively and actively inflating the at least one fluid bladder to an inflated state using the pump; and The at least one fluid bladder is selectively and actively deflated to a deflated state via the at least one valve.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising generating a vacuum effect for active venting.

14. The method of claim 13, comprising providing a multi-channel connector having at least a first channel, a second channel and a third channel, and comprising: fluidly connecting the first passage to the pump; fluidly connecting the second channel to the at least one fluid bladder; and The third passage is fluidly connected to the at least one valve.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The first passage has a diameter variation portion, the diameter variation portion having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the second portion, the second portion being upstream of the first portion.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: The inflated state comprises closing the at least one valve and activating the pump; and The deflation state includes opening the at least one valve and activating the pump, thereby increasing fluid velocity by fluid flowing from the second portion of the first channel into the first portion to create a vacuum to draw fluid out of the at least one fluid bladder.

17. The method of claim 13, comprising a vacuum generator and a connector, and wherein: The at least one valve comprises at least a first valve and a second valve, and wherein the connector comprises a multi-channel connector comprising at least a first channel, a second channel and a third channel, and comprising: fluidly connecting the first passage to the pump; fluidly connecting the second channel to the at least one fluid bladder via the first valve; and The third passage is fluidly connected to the vacuum generator.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one valve comprises at least a first valve and a second valve, and wherein the first valve is upstream of the pump inlet and connected to the atmosphere inlet, and wherein the second valve is downstream of the pump outlet and connected to the atmosphere outlet, and wherein: The inflated state includes positioning the first valve in a first position that blocks flow from the bladder inlet / outlet to the pump inlet, positioning the second valve in a first position that blocks flow away from the pump to atmosphere, and wherein fluid flows from the atmosphere inlet, through the pump, through the second valve, to the bladder inlet / outlet; and The deflated state includes positioning the first valve in a second position allowing flow from the bladder inlet / outlet to the pump inlet, positioning the second valve in a second position blocking flow from the pump to the bladder inlet / outlet while connecting to an atmospheric outlet, and wherein fluid enters from the bladder inlet / outlet, passes through the pump inlet, passes through the pump, and then flows through the second valve to the atmospheric outlet.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The first valve and the second valve include two-way valves.

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one fluid bladder comprises a plurality of fluid bladders, and wherein the pump comprises a single pump, and including controlling inflation and deflation of the plurality of fluid bladders using the single pump.

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