Air Bladder with Stacked Cell System for Vehicle Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seat air bladders exhibit undesirable compliance due to the nonlinear relationship between displacement and pressure, leading to springiness or bounciness when not fully inflated, which affects the customized comfort setting for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat system featuring air bladders with interconnected cells that allow for directional inflation and deflation, using a plurality of cells within an outer casing and directional pressure valves to control air flow, enabling controlled displacement and support adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If air bladders are used to provide adjustability in vehicle seats, then customized comfort setting is improved, but undesired compliance (springiness/bounciness) occurs when not fully inflated
Solution Approach 1:
The air bladder is divided into multiple cells (first cell, second cell, third cell, etc.) that are fluidly interconnected. This segmentation allows each cell to be inflated to a predetermined pressure independently, enabling the system to achieve full support and eliminate compliance before all cells are completely filled. The segmented structure provides progressive support as air is added to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter within each cell to a predetermined pressure level that provides the desired support function. By controlling the pressure in each individual cell rather than allowing uniform pressure distribution, the system eliminates the nonlinear pressure-displacement relationship that causes compliance, while maintaining the ability to provide customized comfort settings.
2Manufacturing precision
If air bladders are inflated to provide support, then displacement control is improved, but nonlinear relationship between displacement and pressure causes compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The air bladder system is segmented into multiple interconnected cells, each capable of being inflated to a predetermined pressure. This segmentation transforms the nonlinear pressure-displacement relationship into a series of controlled, linear segments, improving displacement control while eliminating compliance. Each cell acts as an independent unit that contributes to overall support stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple cells are used in air bladder, then control over displacement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air bladder is divided into multiple cells that are fluidly interconnected through passages and openings in the partition walls. While this segmentation improves displacement control, the complexity is managed by using simple fluid communication pathways between cells rather than complex mechanical linkages, maintaining ease of manufacture despite the multi-cell structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid interconnection system serves multiple functions: it allows air to flow between cells for independent pressure control, provides structural support through the partition walls, and enables the progressive inflation sequence. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing overall device complexity.
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 provides improved control over air bladder displacement, reducing undesired compliance and enhancing customized comfort by allowing for systematic and controlled inflation and deflation, thus providing a more stable and supportive seating experience.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of cells is disposed within the cavity of the outer casing. The cells are inflatable cells used to inflate the outer casing from a deflated condition to an inflated condition.
Implementation Method 2
A biasing mechanism is coupled to at least one support substrate and configured to bias the first and second substrates towards the at-rest position.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat includes a seat portion with an air bladder having an outer casing. Multiple fluidly interconnected cells are disposed within a cavity of the outer casing and are configured to inflate the outer casing from a deflated condition to an inflated condition. The cells may be arranged within the air bladder so as to provide a directional inflation of the air bladder from a first portion of the air bladder towards a second portion. First and second support substrates may be disposed within the seat portion, wherein the air bladder is positioned between the first and second substrates. The air bladder may be configured to inflate and displace the first and second substrates relative to one another from an at-rest position to an actuated position. A biasing mechanism may be coupled to at least one of the first and second substrates for biasing the substrates towards the at-rest position.