Vehicle seat massage system using pinch valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle seat massage system utilizing pinch valves. An assembly comprising: at least one control fluid line; at least one bladder fluid line connectable to the at least one bladder; and at least one pinch valve associated with the at least one bladder fluid line. The at least one pinch valve may be selectively transitioned to a balloon inflation position based on pressure in the at least one control fluid line.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 595,358, filed on November 2, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat having a massage system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat having an air distribution network utilizing a pinch valve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle seat with a massage system.

[0006] Figure 2 Is applicable to Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the air distribution network for a vehicle seat.

[0007] Figure 3A and 3B Is applicable to Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of a pinch valve of a distribution network.

[0008] Figure 4 Is applicable to Figure 2 Cross-section of an alternative pinch valve for a distribution network. Detailed Description

[0010] 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.

[0011] “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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 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 adopt the embodiments according to the present disclosure in various ways.

[0017] 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", "roughly" or "approximately" can be used in this article and can modify the value or related characteristics disclosed or claimed. In such cases, "substantially", "roughly" or "approximately" can represent that the value or relative characteristic modified by it is within ± 0%, ± 0.1%, ± 0.5%, ± 1%, ± 2%, ± 3%, ± 4%, ± 5% or ± 10% of the value or relative characteristic. 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 the lower limit or upper limit. 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] 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.

[0020] 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 of the cushions 14, 16. An air distribution network 20 selectively distributes air from an air pump 22 (e.g., a fluid supply source) to a subset of the massage bladders and selectively releases air from the massage bladders. An occupant sitting in the vehicle seat 10 can feel the inflation and deflation of the massage bladders 18 through the seat cushions.

[0021] In an embodiment, the air distribution network 20 includes multiple valves that control which massage bladders are inflated and / or deflated at any given time. In a conceptually simple network, there may be one valve dedicated to each massage bladder. However, as the number of massage bladders increases, it becomes beneficial to multiplex the valves so that fewer valves are required.

[0022] Figure 2 An exemplary air distribution network is shown. The network is used to distribute air to nine different massage bladders labeled 18A-18L. In an embodiment, three fluid lines 24A, 24B, and 24C are used to deliver air to the nine bladders. In one example, fluid line 24A has three branches 26A, 26B, and 26C that deliver air from fluid line 24A to massage bladders 18A, 18B, and 18C, respectively. Similarly, fluid lines 24B and 24C each have three branches that are fluidly connected to the respective massage bladders.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first valve network 28 receives air flow from the air pump 22 via line 30, and selectively delivers air to a subset of the fluid lines 24A, 24B, and 24C. In some embodiments, at any given time, at most one fluid line receives air flow via the valve network 28. The valve network 28 can also vent some or all fluid lines that are not currently receiving air flow from the pump 22 via line 32. For example, the valve network 28 can include three binary valves, one for each fluid line. Each valve can be controlled by an electrical signal (such as an electric current) from the controller C. When there is an electrical signal, each valve can deliver air flow to the corresponding fluid line, and when there is no electrical signal, each valve can ventilate the corresponding fluid line. Other valve structures that may require less than three different valves and less than three different electrical signals are also envisioned.

[0024] In an embodiment, three logic lines 34A, 34B, and 34C are used to further select which of the nine massage bladders are inflated and / or deflated at any given time.

[0025] In an embodiment, the second valve network 36 receives pressurized air from the air pump 22 via line 38 and selectively delivers the air to a subset of the logical lines 34A, 34B, and 34C. In some embodiments, at any given time, at most one logical line is pressurized via the valve network 36. The valve network 36 can also vent some or all logical lines that are not currently pressurized via line 40. As with the first valve network 28, a variety of valve configurations are contemplated for the second valve network 36, including dedicated valves and multiplexed configurations.

[0026] In an embodiment, a plurality of pinch valves 42 selectively pinch particular branches 26 based on whether a particular logic line 34 is currently pressurized. For example, when the logic line is not pressurized, the pinch valve may pinch a branch of the fluid line, while when the logic line is pressurized, the pinch valve may not pinch the branch. In other embodiments, pressure in the logic line may cause the pinch valve to pinch the branch, while the absence of pressure causes the pinch valve to not pinch the branch. When the branch is pinched, air is prevented from flowing into or out of the corresponding massage bladder. Possible structures for these pinch valves are described below. Pinch valves are typically much less expensive than valves included in the valve networks 28 and 36, so the number of pinch valves is not as important as the number of conventional valves.

[0027] As an example, to deliver air only to massage bladder 18B, valve network 28 would be controlled to deliver air flow to fluid line 24A, but not to fluid lines 24B or 24C. Fluid lines 24B and 24C may be vented. Valve network 36 is controlled to pressurize the logic line so that the branches associated with massage bladders 18A and 18C are clamped, while the branch associated with massage bladder 18B is not clamped. Although Figure 2 The network has three fluid lines and three logic lines, but the number of fluid lines and logic lines can vary and is not necessarily equal to each other. Typically, with M fluid lines and N logic lines, up to M×N massage bladders can be inflated or deflated independently.

[0028] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Shows the application Figure 2 Cross section of an exemplary pinch valve of an air distribution network 20 . Figure 3A The pinch valve 42 is shown in a closed (eg, clamped) state, while Figure 3B The pinch valve is shown in an open (e.g., unclamped) position. The pinch valve includes two jaws 44 and 46 connected to each other by a hinge joint 48. Figure 3A As shown, the hinge joint 48 is in a preloaded position, wherein the jaws are tightly against each other. One of the logic lines 34 and at least one of the branches 26 are located between the two jaws. When the logic line 34 is not pressurized, the jaws clamp the branch 26 to prevent air flow through the branch. When the logic line 34 is pressurized, it pushes the jaws apart, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B as shown, so that the branches are not pinched and air can flow through the branches.

[0029] Figure 4 A pinch valve 42' is illustrated having two branches 26 and 26' between the jaws. The branches may be associated with different fluid lines. When the logic line 34 is not pressurized, both branches 26 and 26' are clamped. When the logic line 34 is pressurized, neither branch 26 and 26' is clamped. Other pinch valve configurations are also contemplated, such as a configuration in which the logic line and at least one branch are on opposite sides of a hinge point such that pressurizing the logic line will clamp the branch and pressurizing the logic line will not clamp the branch.

[0030] In an embodiment, the assembly includes at least one seat component, such as a seat back cushion 16 or a seat bottom cushion 14, having a plurality of bladder fluid lines 24A-24C. In one example, the bladder fluid lines 24A-24C include tubular members that connect a fluid supply source (e.g., a pump 22) to a fluid bladder 18A-18L. In an embodiment, the plurality of bladders 18A-18L include discrete inflatable / deflatable bags or units associated with the seat cushions 14, 16 for massage and / or lumbar / cushion seat features. In an embodiment, there are a plurality of branches 26A-26C associated with each bladder fluid line 24A-24C. In one example, the branches 26A-26C include discrete inflatable / deflatable tubular connectors that connect the bladder line fluid to the bladder. In an embodiment, each branch 26A-26C fluidly connects one bladder (respectively, bladders 18A-18C) to the associated bladder fluid line 24A. Bladder fluid line 24B also has branches 26D-26F connecting fluid line 24B to each of bladders 18D-18F. Bladder fluid line 24C also has branches 26G, 26H, 26L connecting fluid line 24C to each of bladders 18G, 18H, 18L.

[0031] In an embodiment, a plurality of control fluid lines 34A-34C are associated with a plurality of bladder fluid lines 24A-24C. In one example, the control fluid lines 34A-34C include logic (e.g., control) lines that include tubular members that regulate fluid pressure of the associated bladder lines 24A-24C. In an embodiment, a plurality of pinch valves 42, 42' are associated with the control fluid lines 34A-34C and branches 26A-26C. In one example, the pinch valves 42, 42' include a pair of members hinged together to capture / clamp the associated bladder lines and associated branches to the bladders between the members (see Figure 3A-3B and Figure 4 ). In an embodiment, each pinch valve 42, 42' controls the flow of fluid in one of the branches 26A-26C based on the pressure in the associated control fluid line 34A-34C.

[0032] In an embodiment, the air distribution network 20 can be associated with multiple valve groups or networks. For example, the first valve network 28 can be associated with multiple bladder fluid lines 24A-24C, and the second valve network 36 can be associated with multiple control fluid lines 34A-34C. In one example, the first valve network 28 and the second valve network 36 can include one or more valves located within a valve housing to control fluid flow. In an embodiment, the second valve network 36 is independent of the first valve network 28.

[0033] In an embodiment, the first valve network 28 and the second valve network 36 may be connected to a common fluid supply source, for example, a fluid source such as the pump 22 .

[0034] In an embodiment, the two valve networks have different purposes. In one example, the second valve network 36 selectively regulates the pressure in multiple control fluid lines 34A-34C. For example, one or more controllers C control the valves in the associated valve network 36 to supply fluid flow from the pump 22 to the selected control fluid lines 34A-34C.

[0035] In one example, the first valve network 28 selectively connects multiple bladder fluid lines 24A-24C to a common fluid supply source, such as the pump 22. For example, one or more controllers C control valves in the associated valve network 28 to supply fluid flow to selected bladder fluid lines 24A-24C.

[0036] In an embodiment, one or more controllers C may include a processor, a memory and one or more input and / or output (I / O) device interfaces coupled via a local interface communication. The local interface may include, for example, but not limited to, one or more buses and / or other wired or wireless connections. One or more controllers C may be hardware devices for executing software, particularly software stored in a memory. One or more controllers C may be custom or commercially available processors, central processing units (CPUs), auxiliary processors in several processors associated with a computing device, (in the form of microchips or chipsets) based on semiconductor microprocessors or any device generally used to execute software instructions. The memory may include any one or 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 disk drives, magnetic tapes, CD-ROMs, 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 one or more controllers C may be configured to execute software stored within the memory, transfer data to and from the memory, and generally control the operation of the computing device in accordance with the software.

[0037] In an embodiment, each pinch valve 42, 42' includes a first member 44 and a second member 46 coupled at a coupling connection 48. In one example, the first member 44 and the second member 46 include jaws, legs, arms, etc. hinged together at the coupling connection 48.

[0038] In one example, the coupling connection 48 includes a living hinge connection between the members 44 , 46 .

[0039] In an embodiment, at least one control fluid line 34A- 34C is captive, eg, clampable, compressible, between the first member 44 and the second member 46 .

[0040] In an embodiment, the control fluid lines 34A-34C are pinched or compressed between the first member 44 and the second member 46 by a biasing force (e.g., a biasing hinge force) between the first member 44 and the second member 46. In an embodiment, each pinch valve 42, 42' moves to the inflated position in response to pressurizing the corresponding control fluid line 34A-34C, e.g., increasing the pressure applied within the control fluid line to a pressure level that overcomes the biasing force.

[0041] exist Figure 3A-3B In the example shown, the increase in pressure in the fluid line 34 overcomes the biasing force of the hinge connection 48 to open the pinch valve 42, thereby Figure 3BThe branches 26 are shown allowed to inflate.

[0042] In an embodiment, each control fluid line 34A-34C is associated with each of the bladder fluid lines 24A-24C in sequence, for example, along an axial linear path from one bladder fluid line to the next bladder fluid line. Each control fluid line 34A-34C passes through a pinch valve 42 on the branch 26 associated with each control fluid line 34 in sequence (e.g., one after the other in sequence).

[0043] In an embodiment, each pinch valve 42, 42' cooperates with an associated control fluid line 34A-34C and pressurizes the associated control fluid line to control the inflation of the associated bladder by opening or closing the associated branch. For example, the first member 44 and the second member 46 move away from each other to allow the associated branch tube to inflate, and the first member 44 and the second member 46 move toward each other to cut off fluid flow to the bladder by compressing the branch 26.

[0044] Figure 4 An example of a pinch valve 42' is shown where one control fluid line 34 is associated with two branch lines 26, 26'. In one example, pinch valve 42' is used for control fluid line 34C and branches 26F and 26L for associated bladders 18F and 18L.

[0045] In an embodiment, the open cross section of the branch 26 is smaller than the open cross section of the control line 34 .

[0046] In an embodiment, an assembly may include: at least one control fluid line; at least one bladder fluid line connectable to at least one bladder; and at least one pinch valve associated with at least one bladder fluid line, the at least one pinch valve selectively shiftable to a bladder inflated position based on pressure in the at least one control fluid line.

[0047] In embodiments, an assembly may include any of the following, alone or in any combination. In one example, an assembly may include at least one first valve network associated with at least one bladder fluid line and at least one second valve network associated with at least one control fluid line.

[0048] In one example, an assembly may include at least one first valve network and at least one second valve network connectable to a common fluid supply.

[0049] In one example, an assembly can include at least one first valve network that selectively connects at least one bladder fluid line to a common fluid supply and at least one second valve network that selectively regulates pressure in at least one control fluid line.

[0050] In one example, an assembly may include at least one pinch valve including a first member and a coupled second member, wherein at least one control fluid line may be captured between the first member and the second member.

[0051] In one example, an assembly can include at least one control fluid line that is clamped between a first member and a second member by a biasing force of the first member relative to the second member, and wherein in response to pressurizing the at least one control fluid line to a pressure level that overcomes the biasing force, at least one pinch valve shifts to a bladder-inflated position.

[0052] In one example, an assembly may include a seat pad associated with at least one bladder.

[0053] In one example, an assembly can include at least one control fluid line including a plurality of control fluid lines, at least one bladder fluid line including a plurality of bladder fluid lines, and at least one pinch valve including a plurality of pinch valves, wherein at least one pinch valve is associated with each control fluid line.

[0054] In one example, a component may include at least one bladder, the at least one bladder including a plurality of bladders, and wherein: each bladder fluid line includes a subset of bladders from the plurality of bladders; each bladder fluid line includes branches associated with each bladder in the subset of bladders; and each branch includes at least one pinch valve from a plurality of pinch valves, and wherein opening and closing of the associated branch is controlled by pressurizing a control fluid line associated with each branch.

[0055] In an embodiment, the assembly may include: at least one seat component; a plurality of bladder fluid lines connectable to a plurality of bladders associated with the at least one seat component, wherein each bladder is transformable between an inflated position and a deflated position; a plurality of branches associated with each bladder fluid line, wherein each branch connects a bladder fluid of one of the plurality of bladders to a bladder fluid line of a plurality of bladder fluid lines; a plurality of control fluid lines associated with the plurality of bladder fluid lines; and a plurality of pinch valves, wherein each pinch valve controls the flow of fluid in one of the branches based on the pressure in an associated control fluid line of the plurality of control fluid lines.

[0056] In one example, an assembly can include at least one first valve network associated with a plurality of bladder fluid lines and at least one second valve network associated with a plurality of control fluid lines.

[0057] In one example, an assembly may include at least one first valve network and at least one second valve network connectable to a common fluid supply.

[0058] In one example, an assembly can include at least one first valve network that selectively connects a plurality of bladder fluid lines to a common fluid supply and at least one second valve network that selectively regulates pressure in a plurality of control fluid lines.

[0059] In one example, the assembly may include each pinch valve including a first member and a coupled second member, wherein at least one control fluid line may be captured between the first member and the second member.

[0060] In one example, an assembly may include at least one control fluid line clamped between a first member and a second member by a biasing force of the first member relative to the second member, and wherein each pinch valve moves to an inflated position in response to pressurizing the at least one control fluid line to a pressure level that overcomes the biasing force.

[0061] In one example, the assembly can include each control fluid line associated with each of the bladder fluid lines in turn, and wherein each control fluid line in turn passes through a pinch valve on a branch associated with each control fluid line.

[0062] In one example, the assembly may include each pinch valve cooperating with an associated control fluid line, and wherein the associated control fluid line is pressurized to control inflation of the associated bladder by opening or closing the associated branch.

[0063] In an embodiment, a method may include connecting at least one balloon fluid line to at least one balloon via branches; associating a pinch valve with each branch; and regulating pressure within the control fluid line to open the at least one pinch valve and inflate the at least one balloon.

[0064] In embodiments, the method may include any of the following alone or in any combination. The method may include selectively regulating pressure in at least one control fluid line via at least one second valve network, and selectively connecting at least one bladder fluid line to a fluid supply source using at least one first valve network.

[0065] The method may include: each pinch valve includes a first component and a second component coupled thereto, and includes: clamping at least one control fluid line between the first component and the second component via a biasing force of the first component relative to the second component; and transforming each pinch valve to a bladder-inflated position in response to pressurizing at least one control fluid line to a pressure level that overcomes the biasing force.

[0066] Other aspects of the assembly may include any of the following, alone or in any combination.

[0067] Aspect 1. An assembly comprising a logic line, a fluid line for fluid connection to a bladder, and a pinch valve. The pinch valve controls the flow of fluid in the fluid line based on the pressure in the logic line.

[0068] Aspect 2. The assembly of aspect 1, wherein the pinch valve controls the flow of fluid in the fluid line by clamping or un-clamping the fluid line based on the pressure in the logic line.

[0069] Aspect 3. An assembly according to aspect 2, wherein the pinch valve comprises two jaws hinged to each other and spring-loaded to clamp the fluid line, and the logic line extends between the two jaws so that the pressure in the line resists the spring load.

[0070] Aspect 4. The assembly of aspect 1, further comprising a bladder fluidly connected to the fluid line.

[0071] Aspect 5. The assembly of aspect 1, further comprising a pad adjacent to the bladder, such that inflation and deflation of the bladder provides a massaging sensation on a side of the pad opposite the bladder.

[0072] Aspect 6. The assembly of aspect 1, further comprising a first valve regulating pressure of the logic line and a second valve selectively connecting the fluid line to a source of fluid flow.

[0073] Aspect 7. The assembly according to aspect 6, further comprising an air pump that provides pressurized air to the first valve and also serves as a source of fluid flow to the fluid pipeline.

[0074] Aspect 8. The assembly of aspect 6, wherein the second valve also selectively vents the fluid line.

[0075] Aspect 9. An assembly comprising: one or more logic lines, one or more fluid lines, a plurality of pinch valves, and a plurality of valves. Each fluid line comprises one or more branches. Each pinch valve controls the flow of fluid in the one or more branches based on the pressure in the logic line of the one or more logic lines. One or more valves regulate the pressure in each logic line. One or more valves selectively connect each fluid line to a source of fluid flow.

[0076] Aspect 10. An assembly according to Aspect 9, wherein each of the pinch valves comprises two jaws hinged to each other and spring loaded to clamp one or more branches, and a logic line extends between the two jaws so that the pressure in the line resists the spring load.

[0077] Aspect 11. The assembly of aspect 9, wherein a logic line of the one or more logic lines passes through more than one of the pinch valves in sequence.

[0078] Aspect 12. The assembly of aspect 9, wherein more than one branch is selectively pinched by one of the pinch valves.

[0079] Aspect 13. The assembly of aspect 9, further comprising: a plurality of bladders, each bladder being fluidly connected to one of the branches; and a pad adjacent to the bladders such that inflation and deflation of the bladders provides a massaging sensation on a side of the pad opposite the bladders.

[0080] Aspect 14. The assembly of aspect 9, further comprising an air pump that provides pressurized air to a valve that regulates pressure in the logic line and also serves as a source of fluid flow to the fluid line.

[0081] Aspect 15. The assembly of aspect 9, wherein the one or more logical pipelines comprises a plurality of logical pipelines.

[0082] Aspect 16. The assembly of aspect 9, wherein the one or more fluid lines comprises a plurality of fluid lines.

[0083] Aspect 17. An assembly comprising a seat cushion, a plurality of logic lines, a plurality of fluid lines, a plurality of bladders, and a plurality of pinch valves. Each of the plurality of fluid lines has a plurality of branches. The bladders are adjacent to the seat cushion. Each bladder is fluidly connected to one of the branches. Each pinch valve controls the flow of fluid in one or more branches based on a pressure in a logic line in the plurality of logic lines.

[0084] Aspect 18. The assembly of aspect 17, further comprising one or more valves that regulate pressure in each logic line.

[0085] Aspect 19. The assembly of aspect 17, further comprising one or more valves that selectively connect each of the fluid lines to a source of fluid flow.

[0086] Aspect 20. The assembly of aspect 19, wherein the one or more valves further selectively vent each of the fluid lines.

[0087] Other aspects consistent with the above disclosed embodiments and combinations thereof are also contemplated.

[0088] 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 component comprising: at least one control fluid line; at least one bladder fluid line connectable to the at least one bladder; and At least one pinch valve is associated with the at least one bladder fluid line, the at least one pinch valve being selectively shiftable to a bladder inflated position based on pressure in the at least one control fluid line.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, comprising: At least one first valve network is associated with the at least one bladder fluid line, and at least one second valve network is associated with the at least one control fluid line.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one first valve network and the at least one second valve network are connectable to a common fluid supply source.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein: The at least one first valve network selectively connects the at least one bladder fluid line to the common fluid supply; and The at least one second valve network selectively regulates pressure in the at least one control fluid line.

5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one pinch valve includes a first component and a coupled second component, wherein the at least one control fluid line can be captured between the first component and the second component.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one control fluid line is clamped between the first member and the second member by a biasing force of the first member relative to the second member, and wherein, in response to the at least one control fluid line being pressurized to a pressure level that overcomes the biasing force, the at least one pinch valve shifts to the bladder-inflated position.

7. The assembly of claim 1 including a seat pad associated with the at least one bladder.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The at least one control fluid line comprises a plurality of control fluid lines; The at least one bladder fluid line comprises a plurality of bladder fluid lines; and The at least one pinch valve comprises a plurality of pinch valves, wherein at least one pinch valve is associated with each control fluid line.

9. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one capsule comprises a plurality of capsules, and wherein: Each bladder fluid line includes a subset of bladders from the plurality of bladders; Each bladder fluid line includes a branch associated with each bladder in the subset of bladders; and Each branch includes at least one pinch valve of the plurality of pinch valves, and wherein opening and closing of the associated branch is controlled by pressurizing a control fluid line associated with each branch.

10. A component comprising: at least one seat component; a plurality of bladder fluid lines connectable to a plurality of bladders associated with the at least one seat component, wherein each bladder is transitionable between an inflated position and a deflated position; a plurality of branches associated with each bladder fluid line, wherein each branch fluidly connects one of the plurality of bladders to a bladder fluid line in the plurality of bladder fluid lines; a plurality of control fluid lines associated with the plurality of bladder fluid lines; and A plurality of pinch valves, wherein each pinch valve controls the flow of fluid in one of the branches based on a pressure in an associated control fluid line of the plurality of control fluid lines.

11. The assembly according to claim 10, comprising: At least one first valve network is associated with the plurality of bladder fluid lines, and at least one second valve network is associated with the plurality of control fluid lines.

12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein The at least one first valve network and the at least one second valve network are connectable to a common fluid supply source.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein: The at least one first valve network selectively connects the plurality of bladder fluid lines to the common fluid supply; and The at least one second valve network selectively regulates pressure in the plurality of control fluid lines.

14. The assembly of claim 10, wherein: Each pinch valve includes a first member and a coupled second member, wherein at least one control fluid line can be captured between the first member and the second member.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein: The at least one control fluid line is clamped between the first member and the second member by a biasing force of the first member relative to the second member, and wherein each pinch valve shifts to the inflated position in response to the at least one control fluid line being pressurized to a pressure level that overcomes the biasing force.

16. The assembly of claim 10, wherein: Each control fluid line is in turn associated with each of the bladder fluid lines, and wherein each control fluid line in turn passes through a pinch valve on a branch associated with each control fluid line.

17. The assembly of claim 10, wherein: Each pinch valve cooperates with an associated control fluid line, and wherein the associated control fluid line is pressurized to control inflation of the associated bladder by opening or closing the associated branch.

18. A method comprising: connecting at least one bladder fluid line to at least one bladder via a branch; Associating a pinch valve with each branch; and The pressure in the control fluid line is adjusted to open the at least one pinch valve and inflate the at least one bladder.

19. The method of claim 18, comprising selectively regulating pressure in the at least one control fluid line via at least one second valve network and selectively connecting the at least one bladder fluid line to a fluid supply using at least one first valve network.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein: Each pinch valve includes a first member and a coupled second member, and the method includes clamping the at least one control fluid line between the first member and the second member via a biasing force of the first member relative to the second member, and shifting each pinch valve to a bladder-inflated position in response to pressurizing the at least one control fluid line to a pressure level that overcomes the biasing force.

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