Adjustable Seat Inflatable Bladder Dynamics Rough Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicle occupants experience discomfort and fatigue due to jarring and jostling from rough terrain, as existing seats lack adjustable back and base support, leading to muscle strain and decreased performance.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable seat with an inflatable base and back bladder system, attached to a rotomolded frame, allows for dynamic adjustment of support through inflation and deflation, using solenoids and air compressors for easy control by the occupant, providing optimal positioning and comfort during rough conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the seat back is fixed in a forward position to brace against jarring and jostling, then the impact from rough terrain is reduced, but muscle groups are strained and occupants experience soreness or fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back is made adjustable between a forward position and an upright position, allowing occupants to dynamically change the backrest angle based on terrain conditions. This resolves the contradiction by providing both the impact reduction of the forward position and the comfort of the upright position for non-rough terrain
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest angle parameter can be changed between different positions (forward and upright) to adapt to different operating conditions. This allows the system to optimize both impact protection and occupant comfort by selecting the appropriate angle for the current terrain
2Ease of operation
If the seat base foam is compressed to provide support, then cushioning is provided, but the foam degrades over time resulting in bottoming out on the hard frame
Solution Approach 1:
An inflatable bladder system is integrated into the seat base to provide adjustable cushioning support. The bladder can be inflated to provide support and deflated to accommodate varying occupant weights and terrain conditions, resolving the degradation issue of foam by using a reusable inflatable element
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation pressure of the bladder can be adjusted to change the level of cushioning support provided. This allows the system to maintain reliable support over time by adjusting the pressure parameter rather than relying on degradable foam material
3Ease of operation
If the seat back is made adjustable to improve comfort, then occupant comfort is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back incorporates a hinge mechanism that enables adjustment between forward and upright positions. This dynamic element adds complexity but provides the necessary comfort adjustment capability for different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest angle is made variable through the hinge mechanism, allowing occupants to change the parameter to suit their comfort needs while maintaining a relatively simple two-position adjustment system
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 adjustable seat effectively reduces muscle strain and discomfort by dynamically adjusting to terrain conditions, maintaining occupant comfort and performance by providing customizable support and cushioning, thus enhancing the recreational vehicle experience.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustable seat with an inflatable base and back bladder system
Implementation Method 2
The adjustable seat effectively reduces muscle strain and discomfort by dynamically adjusting to terrain conditions, maintaining occupant comfort and performance
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is a seat with an adjustable back and/or an adjustable base. The adjustable back and/or base can be adjusted in response to rough terrain or water encountered by a vehicle in which the seat is located.