Air Bladder Reclining System for Vehicle Seatback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seat comfort is compromised due to inadequate support and ventilation during long journeys, as existing technologies fail to provide adjustable firmness and effective climate control systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly featuring a frame with closed and trim cells filled with fluid, an adjustable seatback support panel, and an inflatable reclination cell that alters the seatback angle, incorporating ventilation apertures for improved air movement and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional seat structures are used, then manufacturing cost is low, but seat comfort and adjustability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The seat cushion is divided into multiple independent air cells (base cells and trim cells) that can be individually adjusted. Each cell can be independently inflated or deflated to provide localized support and comfort adjustments, allowing the seat to adapt to different body positions and preferences without requiring a completely complex overhead system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses air pressure control systems to adjust the volume and firmness of individual seat cells. By controlling the air pressure in base cells and trim cells separately, the system provides versatile comfort adjustment and support customization. The reclination cell uses pneumatic pressure to control the seatback angle, enabling adjustable reclination without complex mechanical linkages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed firmness seats are used, then manufacturing is simple, but they cannot accommodate occupants of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The seat transitions from a fixed firmness structure to a dynamic, adjustable system where air pressure in each cell can be modified in real-time. This allows the seat to adapt its firmness and support characteristics to match different occupant sizes, weights, and preferences. The system can be controlled automatically or manually to provide personalized comfort for each occupant.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adequate ventilation is not provided, then manufacturing cost is low, but passenger comfort during long journeys deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system provides localized climate control by allowing air circulation within and around individual seat cells. The air pressure adjustment in each cell creates micro-ventilation zones that can be optimized for local comfort needs. This distributed approach to climate control provides effective ventilation without requiring a complex centralized HVAC system for each seat.
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 solution provides adjustable firmness and ventilation, enhancing passenger comfort by allowing customizable reclination angles and improved air circulation, while being cost-effective to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
An adjustable reclination cell is disposed between the support panel and the static base. The reclination cell is adjustable between an inflated condition that pivots the support panel forward and a deflated condition that pivots the support panel rearward
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of trim cells are disposed on the base cells and include a variable volume of fluid disposed therein. The trim cells are in communication with a fluid pump
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a frame. A seat and seatback are disposed on the frame. A seating cushion assembly includes a plurality of closed base cells disposed on the frame. Each base cell includes a fixed volume of fluid disposed therein. A plurality of trim cells are disposed on the base cells and include a variable volume of fluid disposed therein. The trim cells are in communication with a fluid pump. An adjustable seatback support panel is disposed behind the base cells and is pivotally coupled to the frame. A static base is disposed behind the support panel. An adjustable reclination cell is disposed between the support panel and the static base. The reclination cell is adjustable between an inflated condition that pivots the support panel forward and a deflated condition that pivots the support panel rearward, thereby altering the reclination angle of the seatback relative to the seat.