Comfortable assembly with suture tube arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a comfort assembly with a suture tube arrangement. The assembly includes at least one bladder, at least one fluid line, and a carrier layer supporting the at least one fluid line. At least one fluid line is attached to the base material via a suture attachment.

Description

background

[0001] The seat may include a comfort system, which includes, for example, massage and lumbar components, ventilation components, and heating components. Attached Figure Description

[0002] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the example seat.

[0003] Figure 2A This is a top view of the carrier layer.

[0004] Figure 2B This is a top view of the carrier layer, which has a first bladder and a fluid line attached by a stitched attachment.

[0005] Figure 2C Similar to Figure 2B It has additional bladders and fluid lines.

[0006] Figure 2D Similar to Figure 2C However, it shows the complete carrier and capsule components.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a carrier sheet with other comfort layers.

[0008] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of an example of a sewn-on attachment.

[0009] Figure 5 It is an exploded view of a multi-cell bladder with button-shaped features.

[0010] Figure 6A It is a top view of the carrier layer with button-shaped openings.

[0011] Figure 6B It comes from Figure 5 A bottom view of the assembled capsule.

[0012] Figure 6C It is installed Figure 5 A bottom view of the carrier layer of the button-shaped object.

[0013] Figure 6D Is with Figure 6C A view similar to that of a button-shaped object, which is secured in place via a button-shaped opening in the carrier layer.

[0014] Figure 7 It is an exploded view of a multi-unit capsule with a stitch flag.

[0015] Figure 8A It comes from Figure 7 A top view of the assembled capsule.

[0016] Figure 8B The pinched position is shown. Figure 8A The bag.

[0017] Figure 8C An example of stitching a suture mark to a carrier layer is shown. Detailed description

[0018] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments described. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various embodiments described can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0019] "One or more" includes functions performed by one element, functions performed by more than one element (e.g., in a distributed manner), several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0020] It should also be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., are used herein to describe various elements in certain circumstances, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. 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 a first contact and a second contact are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0021] The terminology used in the description of the various embodiments described herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes 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 stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0022] As used herein, the term "if" may optionally be interpreted as "when," "in response to determining," or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if determined" or "if [the condition or event] is detected" may optionally be interpreted as "when determined," "in response to determining," "when [the condition or event] is detected," or "in response to detecting [the condition or event]," depending on the context.

[0023] It should be understood that terms such as “about,” “substantially,” and “generally” are not intended to be unbounded terms and should be interpreted in the manner in which those skilled in the art interpret these terms.

[0024] This disclosure relates to an assembly comprising at least one bladder; at least one fluid line; and a carrier layer including a base material supporting the at least one fluid line, wherein the at least one fluid line is attached to the base material via a stitched attachment.

[0025] Figure 1A seat assembly 10 according to an example embodiment is shown. The seat assembly 10 can be used as a vehicle seat assembly 10 for seating in a vehicle, such as a car, airplane, ship, or any other seating environment. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat base 12 adapted to be mounted for motor-driven adjustable translation in the vehicle's longitudinal and vertical directions. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat back 14 pivotally connected to the seat base 12 to extend substantially upright relative to the seat base 12 for pivotal adjustment about an axis relative to the seat base 12.

[0026] The seat back 14 may include a headrest 16 configured to support the head of the seat occupant. The headrest 16 may be located at the top of the seat back 14. The headrest 16 may be integral with the seat back 14, or it may be a separate component adjustablely positioned relative to the top of the seat back 14. The seat base 12 may be configured to support the seat occupant. In vehicle applications, the seat base 12 may be mounted to a supporting surface, such as the vehicle floor. It should be understood that this is only one example of a seat configuration, and other configurations may also be used.

[0027] The seat back 14 and seat bottom 12 may each have at least one seat component 20 associated with the cushion 22 in the seat bottom 12 and / or the seat back 14. Figure 2A A decorative cover 25 may be positioned above or over the cushion 22 and may cover the seat assembly 20. The decorative cover 25 provides at least a portion of the visible outer surface of the seat assembly 10. The seat assembly 20 may be secured to the cushion 22 and / or the decorative cover 25 using one or more retaining members 24. The decorative cover 25 may include multiple decorative panels that can be assembled in any suitable manner, such as by stitching. The decorative panels may be made of any suitable one or more materials, such as fabric, leather, vinyl, or combinations thereof.

[0028] Figures 2A to 2D A seat component 20 is shown, comprising a carrier sheet or layer 22 made of one or more layers of material, and the carrier sheet or layer 22 is associated with a plurality of sacs 24 (e.g., inflatable units) and associated fluid lines 26 defining fluid flow paths to the plurality of sacs 24. In one example, the sacs 24 are used for bolstering, lumbar support, and / or massage purposes.

[0029] In one embodiment, the fluid line 26 includes a tubular member that connects a fluid supply source to an inflatable member such as bladder 24. Figures 2B to 2DAs shown, sac 24 includes separate inflatable / deflatable pouches or units for massage and / or lumbar / pillow purposes.

[0030] In this embodiment, at least the fluid line 26 is supported on the carrier layer 22.

[0031] In this embodiment, the fluid line 26 and the bladder 24 are supported on the carrier layer 22.

[0032] In the embodiment, fluid line 26 and pneumatic connector 28 ( Figure 2D Associated with this, a pneumatic connector 28 connects tubing 26 to a valve bank 30, which is associated with an air source. Actuator assembly 32 controls the inflation of bladder 24 via valve bank 30. Actuator assembly 32 may include a compressor or pneumatic pump connected to valve bank 30 to provide a fluid source to bladder 24. A seat control module is associated with seat assembly 10 and is typically identified as controller 34. In one example, controller 34 regulates the entry and exit of compressed air into and out of bladder 24 in seat assembly 10. Controller 34 and actuator assembly 32 may be mounted in seat back 14, under the seat, or anywhere suitable in the vehicle. Furthermore, controller 34 and actuator assembly 32 may be a single unit or separate units.

[0033] Controller 34 may include processing units and non-transitory memory for executing various control strategies. The processing unit may be a custom or commercially available processor, central processing unit (CPU), or any device typically used for executing software instructions. The memory may include any one or a combination of volatile and / or non-volatile memory elements. The processing unit may be programmed to execute one or more programs stored in the memory. For example, programs may be stored in the memory as software code. The programs stored in the memory may include one or more additional or separate programs, each comprising an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing the logical functions associated with the control valve assembly. Although shown as a single controller, controller 34 may include one or more controllers. Controller 34 may also communicate with and respond to instructions from another controller.

[0034] In one embodiment, the carrier sheet 22 may be combined with one or more additional comfort layers 40, 42 to form a comfort assembly 44 (see [link]). Figure 3The comfort component 44 is placed on the seat and covered by the trim piece 25. In one example, the comfort layer 40 includes a thermal comfort layer and includes heating / cooling components to regulate the seat temperature. In one example, the comfort layer 42 includes a ventilated comfort section for later use in regulating airflow through the seat.

[0035] In one embodiment, the carrier sheet 22 includes a stitched attachment 46 for attaching the fluid lines 26 to the base material of the carrier layer 22. In one example, the stitched attachment 46 includes an attachment interface where two or more materials are joined or fastened together using stitches typically made of needles and thread.

[0036] In an implementation, a certain type of machine may be used to form the stitched attachment 46.

[0037] In this embodiment, the base material of the carrier layer 22 includes nonwoven material or laminated foam material.

[0038] In one example, nonwoven materials include fabrics made by binding or interlocking fibers together without weaving or knitting, or fabrics made by directly binding fibers together through mechanical, chemical, or thermal processes.

[0039] In one example, laminated foam materials comprise composite materials consisting of multiple layers, wherein the foam layers are bonded or laminated to one or more other materials. The foam layers provide cushioning and shock absorption properties, while the additional layers can be used for purposes such as moisture protection, thermal insulation, or structural support. In implementations, depending on the materials and desired properties, the lamination process can involve various methods, such as adhesive bonding, heat sealing, or ultrasonic welding.

[0040] In this embodiment, the bladder 24 and the tube / fluid line 26 comprise, for example, a plastic material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This material is a multifunctional polymer that combines the properties of plastics and rubber. TPU is a thermoplastic elastomer that exhibits properties such as elasticity, transparency, and resistance to oils, greases, and abrasion. TPU can be easily processed using injection molding, extrusion, and other thermoplastic processing techniques.

[0041] In one embodiment, the carrier layer 22 is, for example, die-cut to provide, as Figure 2A The desired shape is shown.

[0042] In one example, carrier layer 22 may have predetermined fluid line location markers 50 for multiple fluid lines 26 and / or multiple bladders 24. The fluid line location markers 50 may include drawn lines / areas, notches, positioning holes, slots, etc., which are marked at predetermined locations to define alignment paths or layouts for the desired arrangement of the bladders 24 and fluid lines 26.

[0043] In an embodiment, if necessary, the carrier layer 22 may also have ventilation holes 52.

[0044] In the implementation method, such as Figure 2B As shown, the fluid line 26 is directly attached to the base material of the carrier layer 22 via the stitched attachment 46.

[0045] In one example, the stitched attachment 46 includes, for example, Figure 4 The zigzag stitch shown is 48.

[0046] In this implementation, each capsule 24 and associated fluid line 26 are attached to the carrier layer 22 one after another until all capsules 24 and fluid lines 26 are attached (see [link]). Figures 2C to 2D Therefore, there are multiple sacs 24 and multiple fluid lines 26, and each sac 24 is associated with a fluid line 26.

[0047] In this embodiment, each sac 24 is also directly sewn to the base material of the carrier layer 22.

[0048] In an embodiment, each sac 24 may include a protrusion or button-shaped feature 54. Figure 6B The carrier layer 22 includes at least one button-shaped opening 56. Figure 6A The button-shaped opening 56 receives the button-shaped object 54. Figure 6C This is to hold the capsule 24 in the proper position on the carrier layer 22. Figure 6B As shown, the button-shaped part 54 extends outward from one side of the pouch 24. The button-shaped opening 56 includes a slot or aperture extending through the thickness of the carrier layer 22.

[0049] Figure 5 An example of a multi-unit capsule 24 is shown, which includes a top layer 60, two intermediate layers 62 forming a pair of connected units, and a bottom layer 64 including a button-shaped element 54. One end of an associated fluid line 26 is received within the lumen of the capsule 24.

[0050] In one embodiment, each sac 24 may include a suture mark 66 that lies flat on the carrier layer 22 and is sewn to the base material of the carrier layer 22. Figure 7In one example, the suture marker 66 includes a flap that is centrally attached to the capsule 24 while its edges lie flat on the carrier layer 22, as shown. Figure 8C As shown.

[0051] Figure 7 An example of a multi-unit capsule 24 is shown, which includes a top layer 60, two intermediate layers 62 forming a pair of connected units, and a bottom layer 64 including suture marks 66. One end of an associated fluid line 26 is received within the lumen of the capsule 24.

[0052] In this embodiment, the sac 24 is grasped ( Figure 8A ), and then squeezed ( Figure 8B This allows the edges to lie flat on the carrier layer 22, such as... Figure 8C As shown. Then it can be attached to the patch 66 via the stitching attachment 46.

[0053] In implementation, this allows for the use of cheaper materials for the carrier material and provides high potential for capsule production with standardization and automation. There are also no noise issues, and the cost of specific tools is low.

[0054] In this implementation, the sewing machine used for tube stitching should be able to operate in a zigzag pattern. Tube stitching may require a special presser foot. This implementation allows for low capital expenditure and a high level of flexibility, with easy addition of features / functions. Furthermore, it is easy to integrate with other comfort layers.

[0055] In this implementation, a multi-head embroidery machine can be used. These machines can be similar to those used for seat thermal comfort layers, but with a removable frame. Specific templates can be designed, and the operator can remove the finished product and insert material into the removable frame / template while the machine is sewing. When sewing is complete, the frame is exchanged, and the next sewing can begin. This implementation offers less manual labor, better accuracy and repeatability, and less reliance on operator skill.

[0056] In one embodiment, this subject matter disclosure provides a component comprising: at least one bladder; at least one fluid line; and a carrier layer including a base material supporting the at least one fluid line, wherein the at least one fluid line is attached to the base material via a stitched attachment.

[0057] The following features of the components may be included individually or in any combination.

[0058] In one example, the base material of the carrier layer includes nonwoven material or laminated foam material.

[0059] In one example, at least one fluid line is stitched directly to the base material.

[0060] In one example, at least one bladder may be connected to at least one fluid line, wherein at least one bladder is stitched to a base material.

[0061] In one example, at least one sac includes a button-shaped object, and the carrier layer includes at least one button-shaped opening in which the button-shaped object is received.

[0062] In one example, at least one sac includes a suture marker, wherein the suture marker is laid flat on the carrier layer and sutured to the base material.

[0063] In one example, the carrier layer includes markers for the locations of predetermined fluid pipelines.

[0064] In one example, the predetermined fluid pipeline location markers include drawn identifiers, notches, or locating holes that define the alignment path along the base material.

[0065] In one example, at least one bladder includes multiple bladders, and at least one fluid line includes multiple fluid lines associated with the multiple bladders.

[0066] In one example, each of the multiple bladders is associated with a dedicated fluid line in a plurality of fluid lines.

[0067] In one example, the carrier layer is stacked with one or more comfort layers as a decorative component.

[0068] In one example, the carrier layer includes an air barrier layer for the ventilation system.

[0069] In one embodiment, this subject matter disclosure provides an assembly including a seat structure, one or more comfort layers associated with the seat structure, a carrier layer stacked with the one or more comfort layers, at least one fluid line connectable to at least one sac, and a stitched attachment for attaching the at least one fluid line to a base material of the carrier layer, wherein the at least one fluid line is supported on the carrier layer.

[0070] The following features of the components may be included individually or in any combination.

[0071] In one example, the base material of the carrier layer includes nonwoven material or laminated foam material.

[0072] In one example, at least one bladder includes multiple bladders, and at least one fluid line includes multiple fluid lines, wherein each of the multiple bladders is associated with one of the multiple fluid lines.

[0073] In one example, each cyst is sewn to the base material.

[0074] In one example, each capsule includes a button-shaped object, and the carrier layer includes at least one button-shaped opening in which the button-shaped object is received.

[0075] In one example, the carrier layer includes predetermined fluid line location markers for at least one of a plurality of fluid lines and a plurality of bladders.

[0076] In one example, the predetermined fluid pipeline location markers include drawn identifiers, notches, or locating holes that define the alignment path along the base material.

[0077] In one example, each capsule includes suture markers, which are laid flat on the carrier layer and sutured to the base material.

[0078] In one example, one or more comfort layers include at least one of a thermal comfort layer and a ventilated comfort layer.

[0079] Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the figures, the embodiments of this 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. Furthermore, the various figures accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be enlarged or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement.

[0080] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are exemplary and not restrictive. That is, modifications to this 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 component comprising: At least one sac; At least one fluid pipeline; and A carrier layer comprising a base material supporting the at least one fluid line, wherein the at least one fluid line is attached to the base material via a stitched attachment.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The base material of the carrier layer includes non-woven materials or laminated foam materials.

3. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one fluid line is directly stitched to the base material.

4. The component of claim 1, comprising at least one bladder capable of being connected to the at least one fluid line, wherein, The at least one capsule is sutured to the base material.

5. The component according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one capsule includes a button-shaped element, and wherein the carrier layer includes at least one button-shaped opening, the button-shaped element being received within the at least one button-shaped opening.

6. The component according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one capsule includes a suture mark, wherein the suture mark is laid flat on the carrier layer and sutured to the base material.

7. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The carrier layer includes predetermined fluid pipeline location markers.

8. The component according to claim 7, wherein, The predetermined fluid pipeline location markers include drawing identifiers, notches, or positioning holes that define the alignment path along the base material.

9. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one sac includes a plurality of sacs, and the at least one fluid line includes a plurality of fluid lines associated with the plurality of sacs.

10. The component of claim 9, wherein, Each of the plurality of bladders is associated with a dedicated fluid line among the plurality of fluid lines.

11. The component of claim 1, wherein, The carrier layer is stacked with one or more comfort layers as a decorative component.

12. The component of claim 11, wherein, The carrier layer includes an air barrier layer of the ventilation system.

13. A component comprising: Seat structure; One or more comfort layers associated with the seat structure; A carrier layer stacked with the one or more comfort layers; At least one fluid line, the at least one fluid line being connectable to at least one bladder, wherein the at least one fluid line is supported on the carrier layer; and A stitched attachment that attaches the at least one fluid line to the base material of the carrier layer.

14. The component of claim 13, wherein, The base material of the carrier layer includes non-woven materials or laminated foam materials.

15. The component of claim 14, wherein, The at least one bladder includes a plurality of bladders, and the at least one fluid line includes a plurality of fluid lines, wherein each of the plurality of bladders is associated with one of the plurality of fluid lines.

16. The component of claim 15, wherein, Each capsule is sutured to the base material.

17. The component of claim 16, wherein, Each capsule includes: A button-shaped object, wherein the carrier layer includes at least one button-shaped opening, and the button-shaped object is received within the at least one button-shaped opening.

18. The component of claim 16, wherein, The carrier layer includes predetermined fluid line location markers for at least one of the plurality of fluid lines and the plurality of bladders, wherein the predetermined fluid line location markers include drawing identifiers, notches, or positioning holes that define an alignment path along the base material.

19. The component of claim 16, wherein, Each capsule includes: A suture mark, wherein the suture mark is placed flat on the carrier layer and sutured to the base material.

20. The component of claim 13, wherein, The one or more comfort layers include at least one of a thermal comfort layer and a ventilated comfort layer.

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