Asymmetric Seat Back Air Bladder Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lumbar supports in seat assemblies provide uniform pressure distribution, which can lead to discomfort as occupants often self-select asymmetrical support, particularly in the lower back, due to the inability to offer asymmetric support.
Innovation Solution
The seat assembly incorporates a moveable comfort system with independently controllable air bladders and actuators on either side of the seat back, allowing for asymmetric pressure distribution and height adjustment based on sensor data to accommodate uneven seating positions, using a controller to regulate air pressure and actuator movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If uniform pressure distribution is provided by traditional lumbar supports, then structural simplicity is maintained, but occupant comfort deteriorates due to inability to accommodate asymmetrical seating positions
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar support system is divided into multiple independently controllable air bladders positioned at different locations (upper, middle, lower lumbar regions and left, center, right positions). Each bladder can be inflated or deflated independently to create asymmetric pressure distributions that adapt to the occupant's seating position, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by modularizing the system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lumbar support are provided with different pressure characteristics through locally controlled air bladders. The system can apply higher pressure to specific areas (e.g., lower lumbar region) while maintaining lower pressure in other areas, allowing customization of support characteristics to match the occupant's preferred asymmetrical seating position.
2Ease of operation
If asymmetric pressure distribution is implemented to accommodate uneven seating, then occupant comfort is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple independent actuators and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple air bladders are connected to a common air supply system and controlled by a single controller that coordinates the inflation/deflation of individual bladders. This merging of the air supply and control functions reduces the number of independent actuators needed, thereby lowering system complexity while maintaining the ability to provide asymmetric pressure distribution for improved comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pressure in each air bladder based on sensor feedback about the occupant's seating position and preferences. The controller continuously monitors and modifies the pressure distribution to maintain optimal comfort, allowing the system to adapt to changing seating conditions without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect seating position for asymmetric adjustment, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors in the system serve multiple functions: detecting occupant presence, determining seating position (asymmetric or symmetric), and providing feedback for comfort optimization. This multi-functionality allows the sensor system to achieve high measurement precision for seating position detection while minimizing the number of sensors needed, thereby reducing 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
This solution provides enhanced comfort by dynamically adjusting pressure and height to match the occupant's asymmetric seating position, reducing discomfort by mimicking the occupant's preferred support configuration, thereby improving overall seating experience.
Implementation Method 1
A first air bladder assembly is positioned along the seat back for applying a first air pressure to a seated occupant. A second air bladder assembly is laterally offset from the first air bladder assembly along the seat back for applying a second air pressure to the occupant.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom and a seat back mounted adjacent the bottom. A first actuator is operably connected to the seat back for applying a first pressure to a seated occupant at a first height. A second actuator is laterally offset from the first actuator and operably connected to the seat back for applying a second pressure to the occupant at a second height. The first and second actuators are operable to provide an asymmetric comfort position to the occupant. The asymmetric comfort position may set the first pressure different than the second pressure or set the first height different than the second height.