Intelligent seating system and pneumatic support structure
By controlling the contraction and extension of the woven mesh tube in the pneumatic support structure, the problem of disordered expansion of traditional airbags is solved, achieving differentiated support for the seat and improving the comfort and safety of occupants.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA ACAD OF ART
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
Smart Images

Figure CN224348809U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle seat technology, specifically to intelligent seat systems and pneumatic support structures. Background Technology
[0002] In the design of traditional car seat airbag systems, to provide crucial protective support during a collision, the airbag structure is typically embedded inside the seat back or cushion. These airbags are generally manufactured using homogeneous (i.e., materials with uniform internal physical properties) rubber or polyurethane materials for sealing. When rapidly inflated with high-pressure gas, these materials exhibit remarkably isotropic deformation behavior. Specifically, during inflation, the airbag expands almost uniformly radially along a direction perpendicular to its initial folding direction, much like a uniformly inflated balloon.
[0003] This singular, uncontrollable radial expansion pattern is the core reason for its fundamental functional defects. Because the expansion force can only be applied primarily in the direction perpendicular to the occupant's body contact surface (i.e., the "pushing" direction), the airbag lacks the ability to actively contract or extend axially in a controlled, directional deformation. This severely limits its potential for precise, differentiated shaping according to the complex ergonomic needs of different areas of the seat. For example, when dynamic, conforming lateral support (a feeling of being enveloped) is needed to improve cornering stability and comfort, traditional airbags cannot effectively generate horizontal contraction force to "embrace" the sides of the waist. Similarly, in the seat cushion area, when extended support for the front of the thighs is needed to alleviate fatigue during long drives, or when local support length adjustments are needed based on different occupant body types and sitting postures, traditional airbags cannot achieve active elongation deformation along the length of the seat (axial direction) to extend their support coverage. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model proposes an intelligent seat system and a pneumatic support structure, which solves the problem of disordered inflation of traditional airbags by utilizing the contraction and extension states of the woven mesh tube.
[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a pneumatic support structure, including a gas-bearing pipe and a braided mesh pipe. The gas-bearing pipe is connected to a gas valve interface. The braided mesh pipe covers the outer peripheral wall of the gas-bearing pipe, and both ends of the braided mesh pipe are fixed to the gas-bearing pipe by cable ties. The braided mesh pipe has a contracted state and an extended state. When the braiding angle is 45°, the braided mesh pipe is in the contracted state. When the braiding angle of the braided mesh pipe is ≤40°, the braided mesh pipe is in the extended state.
[0006] Optionally, when the braiding angle of the braided tube is 45°, after gas is filled, the length of the braided tube is shortened to 85% ± 2% of the initial length.
[0007] Optionally, when the braiding angle of the braided mesh tube is ≤40°, the braided mesh tube is heat-set to form an axial fiber orientation structure. After being filled with gas, the length of the braided mesh tube is extended to 200%±5% of the initial length.
[0008] Optionally, the upper limit of the bending angle after heat setting of the braided mesh tube is 72°±3°.
[0009] Optionally, the surface of the woven mesh tube is provided with guide holes for sewing with the seat fabric, and the guide holes are equidistantly distributed along the length of the woven mesh tube.
[0010] Optionally, the braided mesh tube is made of nylon or polyester fiber, and the gas pressure-bearing tube is an elastic flexible hose.
[0011] Optionally, after inflation, the pneumatic support structure is a U-shaped structure with a concave center, or a continuously undulating S-shaped structure.
[0012] This utility model also discloses an intelligent seat system, including a seat and the pneumatic support structure described above. The pneumatic support structure is distributed in the shoulder, waist and thigh areas of the seat, and the woven mesh tube is sewn to the seat fabric by stitches.
[0013] Optionally, it also includes a solenoid valve and an air pump, with the gas pressure pipe connected in sequence to the solenoid valve and the air pump via an air valve interface.
[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: When the weaving angle is 45°, the diamond-shaped mesh of the braided tube converts the radial force of inflation into the axial contraction force, realizing lateral flexible wrapping, such as the tightening of the seat side wings; when the weaving angle is ≤40°, the fibers of the braided tube are arranged in a near-axial direction, and the radial force of inflation is converted into the axial elongation force, realizing active extension support (such as the lumbar support protruding), solving the problem of disordered expansion of traditional airbags. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the aerodynamic support structure proposed in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the retracted state of the aerodynamic support structure proposed in this embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the extended state of the pneumatic support structure proposed in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bending state of the aerodynamic support structure proposed in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0019] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the U-shaped structure of the aerodynamic support structure proposed in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the S-shaped structure of the aerodynamic support structure proposed in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic support structure proposed in this embodiment of the invention being sewn onto the seat fabric;
[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the intelligent seat system proposed in an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0023] The labels in the attached figures are as follows: 1. Pneumatic support structure; 11. Gas pressure pipe; 12. Braided mesh tube; 13. Cable tie; 14. Air valve interface; 15. Shoulder; 16. Waist; 17. Thigh; 2. Air pump; 3. Sewing thread; 4. Seat fabric; 5. Seat shell; 6. Air pipe; 7. Solenoid valve; 8. Cotton core. Detailed Implementation
[0024] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0025] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment discloses a pneumatic support structure, including a gas-bearing tube 11 and a braided mesh tube 12. The gas-bearing tube 11 is connected to a valve interface 14. The braided mesh tube 12 covers the outer peripheral wall of the gas-bearing tube 11, and both ends of the braided mesh tube 12 are fixed to the gas-bearing tube 11 by cable ties 13. The braided mesh tube 12 has a contracted state and an extended state. When the braiding angle is 45°, the braided mesh tube 12 is in the contracted state. When the braiding angle of the braided mesh tube 12 is ≤40°, the braided mesh tube 12 is in the extended state. When the braiding angle = 45°: the diamond-shaped mesh of the braided mesh tube 12 converts the inflation radial force into an axial contraction force, realizing lateral flexible wrapping, such as tightening the side wings of a seat; when the braiding angle ≤40°: the fibers of the braided mesh tube 12 are arranged nearly axially, and the inflation radial force is converted into an axial elongation force, realizing active extension support (such as lumbar support protrusion), solving the problem of disordered expansion of traditional airbags.
[0026] like Figure 2As shown, when the braiding angle of the braided mesh tube 12 is 45°, after gas is filled, the length of the braided mesh tube 12 shortens to 85% ± 2% of its initial length; the gas filling is 20ml, and in this mode, the braided mesh tube 12 is not heat-set. After the gas-bearing tube 11 is filled, it attempts to expand radially. Due to the 45° braiding angle, the braided mesh tube 12 forms a diamond-shaped mesh structure, which restrains the radial expansion. At the same time, the mesh of the braided mesh tube 12 contracts axially under tension (similar to a fishing net being gathered). Therefore, the gas-bearing tube 11 is forcibly compressed, and its overall length is shortened. When the braided mesh tube 12 is not heat-set, or its braiding angle is set to neutral (such as 45°), the structure will undergo overall contraction and bending during the inflation process. Specifically, the gas-bearing tube 11 attempts to expand radially under the action of gas expansion. The outer braided mesh tube 12 provides circumferential resistance, limiting radial expansion. At the same time, since the un-set braided mesh tube 12 has a certain axial relaxation capacity, the expansion force is converted into axial contraction and bending. This configuration is suitable for flexible fit and localized wrapping needs. With an inflation volume of 20ml, the pneumatic device, initially 13cm long, shortened to 11cm after inflation. Through repeated experiments and data collection, the shrinkage ratio of the pneumatic device after inflation was approximately 1:1.18, meaning the device length shortened by about 15.4%. Furthermore, to enhance the reliability of the experiment, we conducted multiple experiments with different initial lengths, and the results verified the stability of the shrinkage ratio. Experimental data show that the shrinkage characteristics of the pneumatic device at a certain inflation volume have good repeatability. As the initial length increases and the maximum inflation volume is reached, the elongation ratio remains within the range of 1:0.85.
[0027] like Figure 3As shown, when the braiding angle of the braided mesh tube 12 is ≤40°, the braided mesh tube 12, after heat setting, forms an axially oriented fiber arrangement structure. After being filled with gas, the length of the braided mesh tube 12 elongates to 200% ± 5% of its initial length. The braided mesh tube 12, after heat setting, is fixed into a low-angle longitudinal fiber arrangement (close to parallel to the axial direction). During inflation, the radial expansion of the gas pressure-bearing tube 11 is limited by the set mesh tube, and the energy is converted into axial tensile force. The fibers of the braided mesh tube 12 are straightened and extended, causing the gas pressure-bearing tube 11 to elongate axially. Therefore, the length change is the mechanical deformation dominated by the braided mesh tube 12, and the gas pressure-bearing tube 11 only acts as a pressure vessel. When the braided mesh tube 12 is formed into a predetermined shape through heat setting during manufacturing, and its braiding angle is designed to be close to the longitudinal direction (e.g., below 40°), the structure will be forcibly guided to elongate axially during inflation. At this time, the braided mesh tube 12 provides forced inhibition of radial expansion, causing gas energy to be released axially, producing a significant linear elongation effect. This configuration is suitable for applications requiring active pushing, closing, and extended encirclement functions. By maintaining a constant inflation volume (20ml) and conducting a series of tests on the initial length from 10cm to 14.5cm, experimental results show that the elongation ratio of the pneumatic device after inflation remains consistently within a stable range of 1:2. As the initial length increases and the maximum inflation volume is reached, the elongation ratio remains consistently within a stable range of 1:2. L2 = L0⋅(1+k⋅ln(V / V0)), where L0 is the initial length (without inflation), L2 is the current structural length (after inflation), V is the volume of inflated gas (ml), and V0 is the initial deformation volume (critical volume), for example, 5ml. max : Maximum injectable gas volume (approximately 20 ml, corresponding to maximum deformation), k: empirical coefficient, approximately equal to 0.65 (deformation rate).
[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper limit of the bending angle of the braided mesh tube 12 after heat setting is 72°±3°. The braided mesh tube undergoes heat setting treatment at the bending apex or crest to form a permanent bending configuration; the bending angle after heat setting is 32°±3° (corresponding to 6 seconds of heating) or 57°±3° (corresponding to 9 seconds of heating), and the maximum setting angle can reach approximately 72° under extreme conditions. The fitted angle change model is shown below: This formula can be used to predict the expected degree of bending at any set time, providing a quantifiable control basis for structural design and enabling high-precision control of the heat setting path during the manufacturing process.
[0029] like Figure 5 As shown, the surface of the braided mesh tube 12 in this embodiment is provided with guide holes for sewing with the seat fabric 4, and the guide holes are equidistantly distributed along the length direction of the braided mesh tube 12.
[0030] In this embodiment, the braided mesh tube 12 is made of nylon or polyester fiber, and the gas pressure-bearing tube 11 is an elastic flexible tube. The inner gas pressure-bearing tube 11 (a flexible tube with elasticity) is the main deformable component, made of a highly elastic material (such as a soft rubber tube), and has a slender tubular structure with good airtightness and expandability.
[0031] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, after inflation, the pneumatic support structure in this embodiment is a U-shaped structure with a concave center, or a continuously undulating S-shaped structure. The U-shaped structure is used for concentrated support of the waist, and the S-shaped structure is used for progressive fit of the thighs. Figure 6 As shown, the U-shaped structure exhibits a unidirectional bending path, with a concave central area and slightly outward-flaring ends, demonstrating high morphological stability and central cohesive force. During inflation, due to the bending and shaping characteristics of the outer restraining layer, the gas pushes the inner tube to tighten in a predetermined direction, creating a noticeable inward lifting or closing action. The braided mesh tube can be placed on a pre-shaped mold for heating and shaping. After cooling, it is demolded, fixing the shape of the braided structure and forming a permanent deformation restraint layer.
[0032] like Figure 7 As shown, this utility model also discloses an intelligent seat system, including a seat and the aforementioned pneumatic support structure 1. The pneumatic support structure 1 is distributed in the shoulder 15, waist 16, and thigh 17 areas of the seat. The woven mesh tube 12 is sewn to the seat fabric 4 through stitches 3. The seat fabric 4 is sewn to the woven mesh tube 12 through the guide holes via stitches 3. When inflated, the pneumatic support expands, pushing the stitches 3 to pull the elastic fabric to form a bulge; when deflated, the stitches 3 pull in the opposite direction, causing the elastic fabric to retract synchronously. The seat fabric 4 covers the outer surface of the seat shell 5 and the cotton core 8. The seat fabric 4 is made of elastic woven fabric with good extensibility, compressive strength, and deformation recovery ability to ensure that there is no relative slippage between the elastic fabric of the seat and the pneumatic support during deformation. The guide holes are arranged in the preset deformation areas of the pneumatic support, including the bending apex of a U-shaped structure or the crest / trough of an S-shaped structure. During inflation, the pneumatic support expands, pushing the seam 3 to pull the elastic woven fabric, creating localized bulges. During deflation, the seam 3 pulls in the opposite direction, causing the fabric to retract and return to its original position. This method of directly embedding the pneumatic support into the highly elastic ribbed seat fabric 4 avoids the traditional separate design where the airbag is attached to the fabric surface, effectively improving the overall flexibility, conformability, and durability of the system. It also simplifies the assembly process and reduces production costs.
[0033] like Figure 8As shown, this embodiment also includes a solenoid valve 7 and an air pump 2. The gas pressure-bearing pipe 11 is connected to the solenoid valve 7 and the air pump 2 in sequence through the air valve interface 14. Pneumatic supports are distributed in the shoulder, waist, and thigh areas of the seat. The solenoid valves are three-way solenoid valves, and each solenoid valve independently controls one pneumatic support. The air pump outlet is connected in parallel to the common air inlet (P port) of all solenoid valves through the main air pipe; the working port (A port) of each valve is connected to the corresponding area of the pneumatic support; the exhaust port (R port) of the solenoid valve is connected to the silencer or the atmosphere. The controller sends independent commands to each solenoid valve (such as valve 1 inflating + valve 2 holding pressure + valve 3 venting) to achieve: high-pressure wrapping of the shoulders (inflating to D=60°), stable waist (holding pressure D=30°), and decompression and relaxation of the thighs (venting to D=15°). The bending angle D (such as the formula D = 30 + 105 × (a)) is precisely controlled by modulating the inflation / deflation time through PWM. x - 0.2) 2 (Real-time response). A pressure sensor array is embedded in the seat surface. Compared to the traditional design of attaching airbags to the surface of the seat back, the multi-mode intelligent pneumatic seat system provided in this embodiment has the advantages of strong body fit, low response delay, and stable force feedback.
[0034] It is understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely for explaining the relevant utility model and not for limiting the utility model. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to the utility model are shown in the accompanying drawings. Multiple technical solutions in the same embodiment, as well as multiple technical solutions in different embodiments, can be arranged and combined to form new technical solutions that do not contradict or conflict with each other. All equivalent structural transformations made based on the content of this utility model specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are similarly included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A pneumatic support structure, characterized in that, It includes a gas-bearing pipe and a braided mesh pipe. The gas-bearing pipe is connected to a gas valve interface. The braided mesh pipe covers the outer peripheral wall of the gas-bearing pipe, and both ends of the braided mesh pipe are fixed to the gas-bearing pipe by cable ties. The braided mesh pipe has a contracted state and an extended state. When the braiding angle is 45°, the braided mesh pipe is in the contracted state. When the braiding angle of the braided mesh pipe is ≤40°, the braided mesh pipe is in the extended state.
2. The pneumatic support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the braiding angle of the braided tube is 45°, after gas is filled in, the length of the braided tube is shortened to 85% ± 2% of the initial length.
3. The pneumatic support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the braiding angle of the braided mesh tube is ≤40°, the braided mesh tube is heat-set to form an axial fiber orientation structure. After being filled with gas, the length of the braided mesh tube is extended to 200%±5% of the initial length.
4. The pneumatic support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper limit of the bending angle of the braided mesh tube after heat setting is 72°±3°.
5. The pneumatic support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the woven mesh tube is provided with guide holes for sewing with the seat fabric, and the guide holes are evenly distributed along the length of the woven mesh tube.
6. The pneumatic support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The braided mesh tube is made of nylon or polyester fiber, and the gas pressure tube is an elastic flexible tube.
7. The pneumatic support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, After inflation, the pneumatic support structure is a U-shaped structure with a concave center, or a continuously undulating S-shaped structure.
8. An intelligent seating system, characterized in that, The invention includes a seat and the pneumatic support structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pneumatic support structure is distributed in the shoulder, waist and thigh areas of the seat, and the woven mesh tube is sewn to the seat fabric by stitches.
9. The intelligent seat system according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a solenoid valve and an air pump, with the gas pressure pipe connected to the solenoid valve and the air pump in sequence through the air valve interface.