Active-Material Lumbar Support for Adjustable Seat Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lumbar supports in seat uprights often provide a one-size-fits-all configuration, failing to accommodate occupants of varying sizes and preferences, and their complex mechanical or electro-mechanical actuators limit their practical application.
Innovation Solution
A manipulable lumbar support system utilizing active material actuators, such as shape memory alloys, electroactive polymers, and piezoelectric elements, which can change configuration to adapt to individual preferences and provide enhanced kinematics, ergonomics, and comfort, including a massaging functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical or electro-mechanical actuators are used in lumbar supports, then the support can be adjusted to different positions, but the device complexity increases and practical application is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuators (motors, solenoids) and pneumatic/hydraulic systems (bladders, air-cylinders) with active material elements that directly convert electrical energy to mechanical deformation. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical transmission mechanisms while maintaining the lumbar support's adjustability and positioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes active materials whose physical properties (such as piezoelectric coefficients, shape memory transition temperatures, or electroactive polymer response characteristics) can be changed to control the lumbar support's configuration. By changing material parameters through electrical stimulation, the system achieves adjustment without complex mechanical actuators.
2Device complexity
If one-size-fits-all lumbar support configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different occupant sizes and preferences is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed lumbar support configuration into a dynamic system that can change its shape and position in real-time. Active material elements enable the lumbar support to dynamically adjust its configuration based on electrical signals, allowing a single simple structure to serve multiple occupant needs through programmable motion sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes a single lumbar support structure universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: providing support for different body types, creating various massage patterns, and adapting to different seating positions. The active material actuation system allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple fixed configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system improves occupant comfort and safety by allowing customizable support and altering force distribution during impact events, enhancing both ergonomic adjustment and safety features in automotive seating.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator (18) includes an active material element (14) operable to undergo a reversible change in fundamental property when exposed to or occluded from an activation signal
Implementation Method 2
utilizing active material actuators, such as shape memory alloys, electroactive polymers, and piezoelectric elements
Data Source
AI summary
A manipulable lumbar support adapted for use with a seat upright defining a first surface condition, includes a structure disposed within the upright and presenting a first configuration, and an actuator employing an active material element configured to cause the structure to achieve a second configuration when activated.