Fluid system for vehicle seat assembly

Abstract

To provide a seat assembly which may comprise one or more expandable bladders.SOLUTION: An assembly 100 comprises: multiple fluid bladders including at least a first fluid bladder 102 and a second fluid bladder 104; and a fluid manifold 110 in fluid communication with the multiple bladders. The fluid manifold 110 includes at least a first passage 112 and a second passage 114. A first port 120 fluidly connects the first fluid bladder 102 to the first passage 112, and a second port 130 fluidly connects the second fluid bladder 104 to the first passage 112, and a third port 132 fluidly connects the second fluid bladder 104 to the second passage 114.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 599,174, filed Nov. 15, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Summary of the Invention

[0002] The seat assembly may include one or more inflatable bladders.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0004] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0005] It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative and that various alternatives are possible. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as a merely representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments of the present invention.

[0006] "One or more" includes functions performed by one element, functions performed by more than one element, for example in a distributed manner, several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0007] Also, it is understood that in this specification, although terms such as first, second, etc. are used in some instances to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments, the first contact may be referred to as the second contact, and similarly, the second contact may be referred to as the first contact. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but not the same contact.

[0008] The terms used in the description of the various described embodiments herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. When used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", "the", and "said" 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 encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, it should be understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," and / or "includes," when used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0009] As used herein, the term "when...ing" is optionally construed, depending on the context, to mean "when...", "at the time of...", or "in response to a determination" or "in response to a detection". Similarly, the expressions "when determined" or "when [stated condition or event] is detected" are construed, depending on the context, to mean "in a determination" or "in response to a determination" or "in a detection of [stated condition or event]" or "in response to a detection of [stated condition or event]".

[0010] It should be understood that terms such as "about", "substantially", and "generally" are not intended to be boundaryless terms and should be construed in a manner consistent with how those of ordinary skill in the art would interpret them.

[0011] 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 of course vary. Further, the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present invention only and are not intended to be limiting in any sense.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, a seat assembly 20 such as a vehicle seat assembly 20 is shown. In other examples, the seat assembly 20 can be in the shape and size of a front row driver's seat or passenger seat, a second row, a third row, or other rear row seats, and can include a bench style seat, a bucket seat, or other seat styles as shown. Further, the seat assembly may be a non-stowable seat, or may be a stowable seat that is foldable and stowable in a cavity of the vehicle floor. Additionally, the seat assembly 20 may be configured for other non-vehicle applications.

[0013] The seat assembly 20 has a support structure 22 provided by one or more support members. The support members may be provided by a frame and / or a substrate. The seat assembly has a plurality of seat components, which include at least a seat bottom 24 and a seat back 26. The seat bottom 24 may be sized to receive a seated occupant and support the occupant's pelvis and thighs. The seat back 26 may extend upright from the seat bottom 24 and be sized to support the occupant's back. The seat assembly may additionally have a headrest 27. The seat bottom 24 has a seat bottom cushion 28. The seat back 26 has a seat back cushion 30. The support structure 22 provides a rigid structural support for the seat components, such as the seat bottom 24 and the seat back 26, and the associated cushions 28, 30. One or more trim assemblies 32 are used to cover the seat bottom cushion 28 and / or the seat back cushion 30 and provide a seating surface for the seat assembly 20.

[0014] In an implementation example, the seat assembly 20 has one or more fluid systems 50, such as an air system. Although only one fluid system 50 is shown, it is also envisioned that the seat assembly 20 may have two or more fluid systems 50. The fluid system 50 has a fluid supply device or fluid transfer device 52 that supplies a pressurized fluid flow or air flow to one or more bladder assemblies 54 in the seat assembly 20. The fluid transfer device 52 may be a fan, air pump, compressor, blower, pump, etc. that provides a fluid flow. The seat assembly 20 is shown as having two bladder assemblies, but the seat assembly 20 may have only one bladder assembly or more than two bladder assemblies.

[0015] In an implementation example, the bladder includes an inflatable / deflatable individual pouch or cell used for massage purposes, lumbar purposes, and / or bolster purposes. In one example, when in an inflated state, the bladder expands due to an increase in fluid pressure, and when in a contracted state, the bladder contracts due to a decrease in fluid pressure.

[0016] In an implementation example, the fluid system 50 can provide a massage function, for example, via a bladder positioned within a seat component, can provide a lumbar control function by one or more bladders positioned within the seat component, or can provide other seat position controls, such as control of the angle or tilt of the cushion of the seat component and the associated support pan with respect to the associated frame 22, by bladders appropriately positioned within the seat component. In other examples, the fluid system 50 can be used for other seat functions and / or features, as is known in the art. The fluid system 50 can supply fluid flow to one or more of the bladder assemblies 54, for example, for static inflation where the bladder holds its position at a selected inflation level for a lumbar or seat position function, or can supply fluid flow to one or more of the bladder assemblies 54, for example, for dynamic inflation where the inflation or position of the bladder changes, for a massage function. Further, for dynamic inflation, the fluid system 50 can be provided with a bladder assembly 54 having one or more bladders that are sequentially inflated relative to each other. In a further example, the seat assembly 20 can be provided with only a single fluid system or can be provided with two or more fluid systems.

[0017] The fluid system 50 can have various valve assemblies 56 and other components. The valve assemblies 56 in the fluid system 50 according to various embodiments are further detailed below. In some embodiments, the valve assembly 56 can be used to control the fluid flow from the fluid transfer device 52 to one or more of the bladder assemblies 54, and to control the return flow or ventilation of the bladder assemblies 54, or to hold or maintain the inflation level of the bladder assemblies.

[0018] The valve assembly 56 and the fluid transfer device 52 may each communicate with one or more controllers 58 for the purpose of controlling the operation of the fluid system 50 and controlling the inflation or deflation of the bladder assembly 54. The controller 58 may further communicate with a user input 60 to allow a seat occupant to control the operation of the fluid system, select various functions, such as massage, massage speed, lumbar level, seat position angle, etc.

[0019] In an implementation example, the controller may include any device for executing software instructions, such as one or more processing units, non-transitory memory, input / output devices.

[0020] Figures 2-3 show a bladder assembly 100 according to one embodiment. In various examples, the bladder assembly 100 may be used as the bladder assembly 54 of the fluid system 50 together with the seat assembly 20 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the bladder assembly 100 in a filled or inflated state. FIG. 3 shows the bladder assembly 100 in a vented state.

[0021] The bladder assembly 100 is shown together with a first bladder 102, a second bladder 104, a third bladder 106, and a fourth bladder 108. In other examples, the bladder assembly 100 may be provided with two or three bladders, or may be provided with four or more bladders. The bladders 102-108 are shown in a parallel flow configuration for sequential filling as described below. Further, the bladders 102-108 may be arranged in other flow configurations, such as a combination of sequential fluid flow and parallel fluid flow. For example, the third bladder 106 may be replaced with two or more bladders arranged in series with each other for filling purposes, and both may be separately connected to the vent line.

[0022] The bladder assembly 100 is fluidly connected to the fluid transfer device 52 via the valve assembly 56. In one example, all flow into or out of the bladder assembly 100 passes through the valve assembly 56. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the valve assembly 56 is provided as a three-position valve. For example, a common, e.g., single valve, is used to provide three different flow positions. In other examples, the valve assembly 56 is provided as a two-position valve that allows flow into or out of the bladder assembly 100. In further examples, the valve assembly 56 may be provided by more than one valve to provide a function similar to that described herein. The valve assembly 56 may be controlled via one or more actuators 57. For example, the actuator 57 may be provided by a solenoid or other actuator, and in various examples, the actuator member 57 is the rod of a linear actuator, such as in a linear solenoid actuator or a shape memory alloy (SMA) linear actuator. The position of the actuator 57 may be controlled via the controller 58.

[0023] In the illustrated example, the valve assembly 56 has a first position that allows flow from the fluid transfer device 52 to the bladder assembly 100 (as shown in FIG. 2) to inflate the bladder, a second position that allows flow from the bladder assembly to the vent passage 62, e.g., to the atmosphere or to the return line of the fluid system, to deflate the bladder, and a third position that restricts flow into or out of the bladder assembly 100 to maintain the inflation level of the bladder assembly 100.

[0024] The bladder assembly 100 has a fluid manifold 110 that connects the valve assembly 56 to bladders 102-108. In an implementation example, the manifold may include a series of fluid-connected tubular members and / or passages that connect a fluid supply to an inflatable member (such as a bladder). In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid manifold has a first passage 112, a second passage 114, and a connection passage 116. In some examples, the fluid manifold 110 may be formed from tubes such as flexible plastic or vinyl tubes.

[0025] Each of the bladders 102-108 may include or be formed from one or more layers of materials such as flexible plastic or vinyl materials, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), other thermoplastic plastics, or other materials such as rubber or latex. Each of the bladders 102-108 defines a cavity therein for receiving fluid. The various layers of each bladder may be connected via an adhesive, welding, bonding, or other techniques well known in the art. Note that welding may include processes for thermoplastic plastics including heat and / or pressure, ultrasonic bonding, etc. The various layers of each bladder may be connected around the outer peripheral region to form the bladder and the cavity.

[0026] In an implementation example, a bladder is associated with one or more ports. In one example, a port includes a connection opening or connection passage between components in a fluid system through which fluid enters and exits.

[0027] In an implementation example, the first bladder 102 has a first port 120 and a second port 122. In other embodiments, the first bladder 102 has only the port 120 or the port 122. The first and second ports 120, 122 are used to fluidly connect the first bladder 102 to the fluid manifold 110. The first and second ports 120, 122 are shown in opposite end regions of the first bladder 102, but in other examples, the first and second ports may be positioned on the bladder 102 otherwise, including where the first and second ports are adjacent to each other in one of the end regions. The first port 120 is fluidly connected to the first passage 112, and the second port 122 is fluidly connected to the second passage 114.

[0028] The second bladder 104 has a third port 130 and a fourth port 132. The third and fourth ports 130, 132 are used to fluidly connect the second bladder 104 to the fluid manifold 110. The third and fourth ports 130, 132 are shown in opposite end regions of the second bladder 104, but in other examples, the third and fourth ports may be positioned on the second bladder 104 otherwise, including where the third and fourth ports are adjacent to each other in one of the end regions. The third port 130 is fluidly connected to the first passage 112, and the fourth port 132 is fluidly connected to the second passage 114.

[0029] The third bladder 106 has a fifth port 140 and a sixth port 142. The fifth and sixth ports 140, 142 are used to fluidly connect the third bladder 106 to the fluid manifold 110. The fifth and sixth ports 140, 142 are shown in opposite end regions of the third bladder 106, but in other examples, the fifth and sixth ports may be positioned on the third bladder 106 otherwise, including where the fifth and sixth ports are adjacent to each other in one of the end regions. The fifth port 140 is fluidly connected to the first passage 112, and the sixth port 142 is fluidly connected to the second passage 114.

[0030] The fourth bladder 108 has a seventh port 150 and an eighth port 152. The seventh and eighth ports 150, 152 are used to fluidly connect the fourth bladder 104 to the fluid manifold 110. The seventh and eighth ports 150, 152 are shown in the opposite end region of the thirty-fourth bladder 108, although in other examples, alternatively, the seventh and eighth ports may be positioned on the fourth bladder 108. This includes the seventh and eighth ports being adjacent to each other in one of the end regions. The seventh port 150 is fluidly connected to the first passage 112 and the eighth port 152 is fluidly connected to the second passage 114.

[0031] In an implementation example, the fluid system may include one or more check valves. In one example, the check valve allows fluid to flow in only one direction. Types of check valves include swing check valves, lift check valves, ball check valves, diaphragm check valves, and any other type of one-way valve.

[0032] A check valve is provided in the second passage 114. In the illustrated example, the check valve is provided in the second passage 114 between each port connected to the second passage 114. Each check valve may be provided as a passive valve element that is controlled only based on the fluid pressure or pressure difference across the check valve. In the illustrated example, each check valve is oriented such that the check valve closes when the pressure becomes higher on the left side of the check valve (when viewing FIGS. 2 to 3), and the check valve opens when the pressure becomes higher on the right side of the check valve (when viewing FIGS. 2 to 3). Accordingly, the plurality of check valves collectively provide fluid flow from the second passage 114 to the connector passage 116 and prevent fluid flow from leaving the connector passage 116, passing through the second passage 114, and heading toward the fourth bladder 108. Thus, for the illustrated example, the bladder assembly 100 has a first check valve 160 in the second passage between the second port 122 and the fourth port 132, a second check valve 162 in the second passage between the fourth port 132 and the sixth port 142, and a third check valve 164 in the second passage between the sixth port 142 and the eighth port 152. In the illustrated example, the first passage 112 may be provided without a check valve such that there is an unrestricted flow along the first passage to the first, third, fifth, and seventh ports.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the flow path cross-sectional areas of the first, third, fifth, and / or seventh ports 120, 130, 140, 150, e.g., the opening section areas, may be different compared to each other. In other embodiments, the flow path cross-sectional areas of the first, third, fifth, and / or seventh ports 120, 130, 140, 150 may be the same as each other. Each port may be provided by a single aperture through which the flow passes (as shown for the first port 120), or a plurality of apertures may be provided that collectively define the flow path cross-sectional area (as shown for ports 130, 140, and 150). In the non-limiting example shown, the first port 120 has a larger flow path cross-sectional area than the second port 130, the second port 130 has a larger flow path cross-sectional area than the third port 140, and the third port 140 has a larger flow path cross-sectional area than the fifth port 150. Generally, a port with a larger flow path cross-sectional area has a greater flow rate passing through it than a port with a smaller flow path cross-sectional area.

[0034] In some embodiments, the flow path cross-sectional areas of the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth ports 122, 132, 142, 152 may be the same as each other, and may even be the same as the first port 120. In other examples, the flow path cross-sectional areas of the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth ports 122, 132, 142, 152 may be different compared to each other. Each port may be provided by a single aperture for the flow passing through itself (as shown for ports 122, 132, 142, 152), or may be provided by a plurality of apertures that collectively define the flow path cross-sectional area.

[0035] In one example, the bladder assembly 100 is inflated by a pump to change the orientation of the seating surface of the seat member. In another example, the bladder assembly 100 is inflated by a pump to provide a massage effect to the seat occupant. In one example, the bladder assembly 100 provides a sequential pneumatic massage effect to the seat assembly and is operated passively (other than the control of the valve assembly 56). For example, the sequential inflation and deflation of the bladders of the assembly 100 is based on the structure and connections between the bladders and the check valves and does not result from the active control of any valve that interconnects the individual bladders.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the bladder assembly 100 during the inflated state. The controller operates the fluid transfer device 52 to control the actuator to position the valve assembly 56 in the first position so that a pressurized fluid such as air flows into the fluid manifold 110 and the connection passage 112. The air also enters into the connection passage 114 and flows up to the first check valve 160. Here, since the fluid pressure closes the check valve 160, the air is stopped by the first check valve 160. The fluid flows into the first, second, third, and fourth bladders 102-108 and inflates the bladders via the first, third, fifth, and seventh ports 120, 130, 140, 150 respectively. The fluid also flows into the first bladder 102 to inflate the bladder via the second port 122 since the second port 122 is upstream of the first check valve 160.

[0037] Due to the different flow path cross-sectional areas of ports 120, 130, 140, and 150, bladders 102 to 108 expand at various speeds. For example, the first bladder 102 expands faster than the second bladder 104, subsequently the second bladder 104 expands faster than the third bladder 106, and then the third bladder 106 expands faster than the fourth bladder 108. The first bladder 102 may reach a fully expanded state before the second bladder 104, the second bladder 104 may reach a fully expanded state before the third bladder 106, and similarly, the third bladder 106 may reach a fully expanded state before the fourth bladder 108.

[0038] Check valves 160, 162, and 164 restrict the fluid flow from each of the plurality of expansion bladders so as not to further expand the adjacent bladders with a slower expansion speed. For example, during expansion, since check valve 160 is closed, the second bladder 104 expands only through port 130 and does not expand through port 132. Since the second bladder 104 has a higher expansion state compared to the third bladder 106, the second check valve 162 is closed, and the third bladder 106 is made to expand only through port 140 and not through port 142. Similarly, since the third bladder 106 has a higher expansion state compared to the fourth bladder 108, the third check valve 164 is closed, and the fourth bladder 108 is made to expand only through port 150 and not through port 152.

[0039] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the bladder assembly 100 during the contracted state. The controller operates the fluid transfer device 52 to control the actuator to position the valve assembly 56 in the second position, allowing fluid such as air in the bladder assembly 100 to flow through the vent passage 62, for example, into the atmosphere. Air may flow from each of the bladders 102-108, through their respective ports 120, 130, 140, 150 to the first passage 112, through the connection passage 116 to the vent passage 62. Additionally, air may flow from each of the bladders 102-108, through their respective ports 122, 132, 142, 152, through the second passage 114, through the connection passage 116 to the vent passage 62. The check valves 160, 162, 164 may open during the contraction process and allow fluid flow along the second passage 114 to vent and contract the bladders 102-108. The ports 122, 132, 142, 152 may each be the same size as the first port 120, thereby allowing rapid and generally simultaneous contraction compared to the slow sequential expansion of the bladders 102-108, thus limiting sequential contraction or a decrease in the contraction rate of the assembly.

[0040] To maintain the inflation level within the bladder assembly 100, the valve 56 may be positioned in the third position. For the illustrated example, fluid may flow between the bladders 102-108 in the bladder assembly 100, for example, such that they reach similar pressures and / or inflation levels.

[0041] Figures 4-5 show a bladder assembly 200 according to other embodiments. In various examples, the bladder assembly 200 may be used as the bladder assembly 54 in the fluid system 50, together with the seat assembly 20 of FIG. 1. Further, the descriptions of the bladder assemblies 54, 100 provided with respect to FIGS. 1-3 may also be appropriately applicable to the bladder assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 4-5. The reference numerals for the elements in FIGS. 4-5 are the same as those used above for the same or similar elements.

[0042] The bladder assembly 200 is shown to have a first series of bladders 202 with first, second, third, and fourth bladders 102a, 104a, 106a, 108a in a parallel fluid flow arrangement, and a second series of bladders 204 with first, second, third, and fourth bladders 102b, 104b, 106b, 108b in a parallel fluid flow arrangement. In other examples, the bladder assembly 200 may be provided with other numbers of series of bladders, or other numbers of bladders in each series of bladders may be provided. Further, the bladders may be arranged in other flow configurations.

[0043] The first series of bladders 202 is fluidly connected to the connector passage via a first passage 112a, and the second series of bladders 204 is fluidly connected to the connector passage via another first passage 112b.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the first bladders 102a, 102b each have a single port 120a, 120b, respectively. In other examples, the first bladders may each include a second port that fluidly connects the bladder to a second passage 114, similar to those described above in FIGS. 2-3.

[0045] The series of bladders 202, 204 are each fluidly connected to a common second passage 114. In the illustrated example, bladders 104a, 106a, 108a, 104b, 106b, and 108b are fluidly connected to the second passage 114 via their respective ports, while only bladders 102a, 102b have a single port. In other examples, bladders 102a, 102b may be fluidly connected to the second passage 114 additionally or alternatively.

[0046] Accordingly, since the first and second series of bladders 202, 204 share the check valves 160, 162, 164 in the second passage 114, the check valves 160, 162, 164 may be closed to restrict flow to the plurality of bladders in each of the series of bladders 202, 204 during the expansion process or condition, or may be opened to permit flow from the plurality of bladders in each of the series of bladders 202, 204 to the second passage 114 and the connector passage 116 during the contraction process.

[0047] The inflated state of the bladder assembly 200 is shown in FIG. 4. The controller controls the fluid transfer device 52 to operate the actuator to position the valve assembly 56 in the first position so that pressurized fluid, such as air, flows through the fluid manifold 110 and the connection passages 112a, 112b into the series of bladder assemblies 202, 204. Air also enters into the connection passage 114 and flows to the first check valve 160. Here, since the fluid pressure closes the first check valve 160, the air is stopped by the first check valve 160. The fluid flows into the first, second, third, and fourth bladders 102a-108a and 102b-108b, expanding the bladders via the first, third, fifth, and seventh ports 120a-b, 130a-b, 140a-b, 150a-b, respectively. These may expand at different rates based on the different flow path cross-sectional areas of the associated ports.

[0048] Check valves 160, 162, 164 restrict the fluid flow from each of the plurality of inflation bladders so as not to further inflate the adjacent bladder with a slower inflation rate. For example, during inflation, check valve 160 is closed, so the second bladders 104a - b inflate only via ports 130a - b respectively and do not inflate via ports 132a - b respectively. Since the second bladders 104a - b are in a higher inflation state compared to the third bladders 106a - b, the second check valve 162 is closed and the third bladders 106a - b are made to inflate only via ports 140a - b and not via ports 142a - b. Similarly, since the third bladders 106a - b are in a higher inflation state compared to the fourth bladders 108a - b, the third check valve 164 is closed and the fourth bladders 108a - b inflate only via ports 150a - b and do not inflate via port 152.

[0049] The contracted state of the bladder assembly 200 is shown in FIG. 5. The controller operates the fluid transfer device 52 to control the actuator to position the valve assembly 56 in the second position, allowing fluid such as air in the bladder assembly 200 to flow through the vent passage 62 and out, for example, into the atmosphere. Air may flow from each of the bladders 102a-108a and 102b-108b in each of the series of bladders 202, 204 through ports 120a-b, 130a-b, 140a-b, 150a-b respectively into the first passage 112a-b, and through the connecting passage 116 into the vent passage 62. Additionally, air may flow from each of the bladders 104a-108a and 104b-108b through ports 132a-b, 142a-b, 152a-b respectively into the second passage 114, and through the connecting passage 116 into the vent passage 62. The check valves 160, 162, 164 may open during the contraction process to allow fluid flow along the second passage 114 to vent and contract the bladders 102a-108a and 102b-108b. Ports 132a-b, 142a-b, 152a-b may each be the same size as the first ports 120a-b, thereby allowing rapid and generally simultaneous contraction as compared to the slow sequential inflation of the plurality of bladders in the series of bladders 202, 204, limiting sequential contraction or a reduction in the contraction rate of the assembly 200.

[0050] To maintain the inflation level within the bladder assembly 200, the valve 56 may be positioned in the third position. For the illustrated example, fluid may flow between the series of bladders 202, 204 and between the bladders 102a-108a and 102b-108b in the bladder assembly 200 such that they reach similar pressures and / or inflation levels.

[0051] In one implementation example, the assembly includes a plurality of fluid bladders including at least a first fluid bladder and a second fluid bladder, a fluid manifold in fluid communication with the plurality of bladders and including at least a first passage and a second passage, a first port fluidly connecting the first fluid bladder to the first passage, a second port fluidly connecting the second fluid bladder to the first passage, a third port fluidly connecting the second fluid bladder to the second passage, and a first check valve positioned in the second passage, the first check valve being movable between a first position where fluid enters the third port to inflate the second fluid bladder and a second position where fluid is directed through the third port to a vent.

[0052] The assembly may include any of the following alone or in any combination. In one example, a fourth port fluidly connects the first fluid bladder to the second passage and the first check valve is positioned in the second passage between the third port and the fourth port.

[0053] In one example, the first check valve is in the first position during an inflated state with respect to the first fluid bladder and the second fluid bladder, and the first check valve is in the second position during a deflated state with respect to the first fluid bladder and the second fluid bladder.

[0054] In one example, the flow path cross-sectional area of the first port is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of the second port.

[0055] In one example, the assembly further includes a fluid supply source, a valve assembly fluidly connecting the fluid supply source to the fluid manifold, and one or more controllers selectively controlling the valve assembly between a first position and a second position.

[0056] In one example, the valve assembly includes a single three-position valve.

[0057] In one example, a connection passage fluidly connects the valve assembly to the first passage and the second passage.

[0058] In one example, the plurality of bladders includes at least a third bladder, a fifth port fluidly connecting the third fluid bladder to a first passage, a sixth port fluidly connecting the third fluid bladder to a second passage, and a second check valve positioned in the second passage between the third port and the sixth port, the second check valve being movable between a first position where fluid enters the sixth port to inflate the third fluid bladder and a second position where fluid is directed through the sixth port to a vent.

[0059] In one example, the plurality of bladders includes at least a fourth bladder, a seventh port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to a first passage, an eighth port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to a second passage, and a third check valve positioned in the second passage between the sixth port and the eighth port, the third check valve being movable between a first position where fluid enters the sixth port to inflate the fourth fluid bladder and a second position where fluid is directed through the eighth port to a vent.

[0060] In one example, a plurality of fluid bladders including a first fluid bladder and a second fluid bladder includes a first set of fluid bladders, the fluid manifold includes a third passage, a second set of fluid bladders including at least a third fluid bladder and a fourth fluid bladder, the second set of fluid bladders being in a parallel fluid flow arrangement with the first set of fluid bladders, a fourth port fluidly connecting the third fluid bladder to the third passage, a fifth port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to the third passage, and a sixth port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to the second passage, fluid entering the third port and the sixth port to inflate the second fluid bladder and the fourth fluid bladder when the first check valve is in a first position and fluid being directed through the third port and the sixth port to a vent when the first check valve is in a second position.

[0061] In one example, the seat component includes an outward-facing surface, and the first fluid bladder and the second fluid bladder are positioned adjacent to the outward-facing surface.

[0062] In one embodiment, a seat assembly includes a seat component having an outward-facing surface, a plurality of fluid bladders associated with the outward-facing surface, the plurality of fluid bladders including at least a first fluid bladder and a second fluid bladder, a fluid manifold fluidly connecting a fluid source to the plurality of fluid bladders, the fluid manifold including at least a first passage and a second passage, a valve assembly fluidly connecting the fluid source to the fluid manifold, a first port fluidly connecting the first fluid bladder to the first passage, a second port fluidly connecting the second fluid bladder to the first passage, a third port fluidly connecting the second fluid bladder to the second passage, a first check valve positioned in the second passage, the first check valve being movable between a first position where fluid enters the third port and inflates the second fluid bladder and a second position where fluid is directed through the third port to a vent, and one or more controllers selectively controlling the valve assembly between the first position and the second position.

[0063] The seat assembly may include any of the following alone or in any combination. In one example, a fourth port fluidly connects the first fluid bladder to the second passage, and the first check valve is positioned in the second passage between the third port and the fourth port.

[0064] In one example, the first check valve is in the first position during an inflated state with respect to the first fluid bladder and the second fluid bladder, and the first check valve is in the second position during a deflated state with respect to the first fluid bladder and the second fluid bladder.

[0065] In one example, the flow path cross-sectional area of the first port is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of the second port.

[0066] In one example, the plurality of bladders includes at least a third bladder, a fifth port fluidly connecting the third fluid bladder to a first passage, a sixth port fluidly connecting the third fluid bladder to a second passage, and a second check valve positioned in the second passage between the third port and the sixth port, the second check valve being movable between a first position where fluid enters the sixth port to inflate the third fluid bladder and a second position where fluid is directed through the sixth port to a vent.

[0067] In one example, the plurality of bladders includes at least a fourth bladder, a seventh port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to a first passage, an eighth port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to a second passage, and a third check valve positioned in the second passage between the sixth port and the eighth port, the third check valve being movable between a first position where fluid enters the sixth port to inflate the fourth fluid bladder and a second position where fluid is directed through the eighth port to a vent.

[0068] In one example, a plurality of fluid bladders including a first fluid bladder and a second fluid bladder includes a first set of fluid bladders, a fluid manifold includes a third passage, a second set of fluid bladders including at least a third fluid bladder and a fourth fluid bladder, the second set of fluid bladders being in a parallel fluid flow arrangement with the first set of fluid bladders, a fourth port fluidly connecting the third fluid bladder to the third passage, a fifth port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to the third passage, and a sixth port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to the second passage, fluid entering the third port and the sixth port to inflate the second fluid bladder and the fourth fluid bladder when the first check valve is in a first position and fluid being directed through the third port and the sixth port to a vent when the first check valve is in a second position.

[0069] In one example, the valve assembly includes a single three-position valve.

[0070] In one example, the connection passage fluidly connects the valve assembly to a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage.

[0071] In one implementation, the assembly includes a fluid manifold including a first passage and a second passage, a first bladder defining a first port fluidly coupled to the first passage, a second bladder defining a third port fluidly coupled to the first passage and a fourth port fluidly coupled to the second passage, and a first check valve positioned in the second passage between the first passage and the fourth port.

[0072] The assembly may include any one or any combination of the following. In one example, the first bladder defines a second port fluidly coupled to the second passage, and the first check valve is positioned in the second passage between the second port and the fourth port.

[0073] In one example, the first check valve is oriented to be in a closed position during an inflated state with respect to the first and second bladders, and the first check valve is oriented to be in an open position during a deflated state with respect to the first and second bladders.

[0074] In one example, the flow path cross-sectional area of the first port is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of the third port.

[0075] In one example, the assembly includes a fluid transfer device, a valve assembly fluidly connecting the fluid transfer device to the fluid manifold, and a controller configured to control the valve assembly between a first position and a second position, wherein the first and second bladders expand when the valve assembly is in the first position and contract when the valve assembly is in the second position.

[0076] In an implementation, the seat assembly may further include a seat surface and a seat member including one or more features as described above. The first and second bladders are positioned adjacent to the seat surface.

[0077] Exemplary embodiments have been described above, but these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the present disclosure. In that regard, the language used herein is explanatory rather than limiting, and it is understood that various changes can be made without departing from the gist and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the features of the embodiments according to various implementations may be combined to form further embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. An assembly comprising: a plurality of fluid bladders including at least a first fluid bladder and a second fluid bladder; a fluid manifold in fluid communication with the plurality of bladders, the fluid manifold including at least a first passage and a second passage; a first port fluidly connecting the first fluid bladder to the first passage; a second port fluidly connecting the second fluid bladder to the first passage; a third port fluidly connecting the second fluid bladder to the second passage; a first check valve positioned in the second passage; Including, the first check valve is movable between a first position in which fluid enters the third port to inflate the second fluid bladder and a second position in which fluid is directed through the third port to a vent.

2. 2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fourth port fluidly connecting said first fluid bladder to said second passage, said first check valve being positioned in said second passage between said third port and said fourth port.

3. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first check valve is in the first position during an inflated state for the first fluid bladder and the second fluid bladder, and the first check valve is in the second position during a deflated state for the first fluid bladder and the second fluid bladder.

4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first port has a cross-sectional flow area greater than the second port.

5. A fluid supply source; a valve assembly fluidly connecting the fluid source to the fluid manifold; one or more controllers selectively controlling the valve assembly between the first position and the second position; The assembly of claim 1 , comprising:

6. The assembly of claim 5 , wherein the valve assembly includes a single three-position valve.

7. The assembly of claim 5 including a connecting passage fluidly connecting said valve assembly to said first passage and said second passage.

8. the plurality of bladders includes at least a third bladder; a fifth port fluidly connecting the third fluid bladder to the first passage; a sixth port fluidly connecting the third fluid bladder to the second passage; a second check valve positioned in the second passage between the third port and the sixth port; 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second check valve is movable between a first position in which fluid enters the sixth port to inflate the third fluid bladder and a second position in which fluid is directed through the sixth port to the vent.

9. the plurality of bladders includes at least a fourth bladder; a seventh port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to the first passage; an eighth port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to the second passage; a third check valve positioned in the second passage between the sixth port and the eighth port, 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the third check valve is movable between a first position in which fluid enters the eighth port and inflates the fourth fluid bladder, and a second position in which fluid is directed through the eighth port to the vent.

10. the plurality of fluid bladders including the first fluid bladder and the second fluid bladder comprises a first set of fluid bladders, the fluid manifold includes a third passageway; a second set of fluid bladders including at least a third fluid bladder and a fourth fluid bladder, the second set of fluid bladders being in parallel fluid flow arrangement with the first set of fluid bladders; a fourth port fluidly connecting the third fluid bladder to the third passage; a fifth port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to the third passage; a sixth port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to the second passage; and Further comprising:

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein when said first check valve is in said first position, fluid enters said third port and said sixth port to inflate said second fluid bladder and said fourth fluid bladder, and when said first check valve is in said second position, fluid is directed through said third port and said sixth port to said vent.

11. The assembly of claim 1 , comprising a sheet component including an outwardly facing surface, said first fluid bladder and said second fluid bladder positioned adjacent said outwardly facing surface.

12. 1. A seat assembly comprising: a sheet component including an outwardly facing surface; a plurality of fluid bladders associated with the outwardly facing surface, the plurality of fluid bladders including at least a first fluid bladder and a second fluid bladder; a fluid manifold fluidly connecting a fluid supply to the plurality of bladders, the fluid manifold including at least a first passage and a second passage; a valve assembly fluidly connecting the fluid source to the fluid manifold; a first port fluidly connecting the first fluid bladder to the first passage; a second port fluidly connecting the second fluid bladder to the first passage; a third port fluidly connecting the second fluid bladder to the second passage; a first check valve positioned in the second passageway, the first check valve movable between a first position in which fluid enters the third port and inflates the second fluid bladder and a second position in which fluid is directed through the third port to a vent; one or more controls selectively controlling the valve assembly between the first position and the second position.

13. 13. The seat assembly of claim 12, further comprising a fourth port fluidly connecting the first fluid bladder to the second passage, the first check valve being positioned in the second passage between the third port and the fourth port.

14. 13. The seat assembly of claim 12, wherein the first check valve is in the first position during an inflated state for the first fluid bladder and the second fluid bladder, and the first check valve is in the second position during a deflated state for the first fluid bladder and the second fluid bladder.

15. The assembly of claim 12 , wherein the first port has a cross-sectional flow area greater than the second port.

16. the plurality of bladders includes at least a third bladder; a fifth port fluidly connecting the third fluid bladder to the first passage; a sixth port fluidly connecting the third fluid bladder to the second passage; a second check valve positioned in the second passage between the third port and the sixth port; 13. The seat assembly of claim 12, wherein the second check valve is movable between a first position in which fluid enters the sixth port to inflate the third fluid bladder and a second position in which fluid is directed through the sixth port to the vent.

17. the plurality of bladders includes at least a fourth bladder; a seventh port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to the first passage; an eighth port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to the second passage; a third check valve positioned in the second passage between the sixth port and the eighth port, 17. The seat assembly of claim 16, wherein the third check valve is movable between a first position in which fluid enters the eighth port to inflate the fourth fluid bladder and a second position in which fluid is directed through the eighth port to the vent.

18. the plurality of fluid bladders including the first fluid bladder and the second fluid bladder comprises a first set of fluid bladders, the fluid manifold includes a third passageway; a second set of fluid bladders including at least a third fluid bladder and a fourth fluid bladder, the second set of fluid bladders being in parallel fluid flow arrangement with the first set of fluid bladders; a fourth port fluidly connecting the third fluid bladder to the third passage; a fifth port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to the third passage; a sixth port fluidly connecting the fourth fluid bladder to the second passage; and Further comprising:

13. The seat assembly of claim 12, wherein when the first check valve is in the first position, fluid enters the third port and the sixth port to inflate the second fluid bladder and the fourth fluid bladder, and when the first check valve is in the second position, fluid is directed through the third port and the sixth port to the vent.

19. The seat assembly of claim 18 , wherein the valve assembly includes a single three-position valve.

20. 20. The seat assembly of claim 19, including a connecting passage fluidly connecting the valve assembly to the first passage, the second passage, and the third passage.

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