Armrest-Integrated Fluid Delivery for Motion Seat Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion seat systems face challenges in delivering fluid effects such as water mist and scents effectively due to the motion of the seats, which disrupts the directionality of fluid delivery, and the implementation of wind effects using hanging fans is noisy and distracting.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system integrated into the seat support assembly with nozzles and a programmable controller that synchronizes fluid delivery with motion, using a valve array and air, scent, and water supply lines to distribute air, water, and scents to viewers, eliminating the need for external fans and rail-mounted nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If nozzles are installed in the front rail or back of seats to deliver water mist and scents, then fluid delivery capability is improved, but the system becomes expensive and impractical due to seat motion affecting directionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid delivery function from the seat structure itself and places it in the armrest, which remains stationary relative to the viewer. This separates the moving seat component from the fluid delivery component, eliminating the directionality problem caused by seat motion while maintaining effective fluid delivery to the viewer.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest serves as an intermediary structure that delivers fluids to the viewer without being affected by seat motion. By using the armrest as a stable platform for nozzle installation, the system achieves reliable fluid delivery independent of seat position changes during motion.
2Quantity of substance
If hanging fans are used to deliver wind effects, then wind delivery capability is improved, but the system becomes noisy and distracting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the noisy hanging fans from the theater environment and replaces them with compact blowers integrated into the armrest. This extraction eliminates the visual and auditory distractions of large fans while maintaining wind delivery capability through smaller, quieter components positioned close to the viewer.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using large hanging fans that create noticeable noise and movement, the system uses smaller blower components that replicate the wind effect locally at each seat. This copying approach achieves the same functional result with reduced noise and visual impact.
3Ease of operation
If nozzles are mounted on moving seats, then fluid delivery is simplified, but the directionality of fluid delivery is disrupted by seat motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the nozzle mounting location from the moving seat structure and relocates it to the stationary armrest. This separation maintains the simplicity of integrated fluid delivery while eliminating the directionality disruption caused by seat motion, as the armrest remains fixed relative to the viewer.
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 ensures consistent and synchronized delivery of fluid effects with seat motion, enhancing the immersive experience while reducing costs and noise, allowing for customizable effects and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle is configured to deliver the fluid in response to motion signals
Implementation Method 2
a valve array and air, scent, and water supply lines to distribute air, water, and scents to viewers
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods of delivering fluid from one or more armrests of seat systems. In a feature, the system includes a seat support assembly with armrests with one or more fluid nozzles mounted on one or more of the armrests, a fluid delivery system coupled to the one or more fluid nozzle(s), wherein the fluid nozzles are mounted on an end of the armrest that slopes upward to direct fluid toward the viewer. In another feature, the system includes a seat support assembly with air outlet(s) on an armrest coupled to a fan, which reduces the load on the fluid delivery system. In another feature, the system includes a controller (e.g., a network server) configured to communicate on and off commands that correspond to events on a timeline of a movie to actuate the fluid delivery system to deliver fluids to the outlets.