Collapsible Seat Assembly Using Pneumatic Bladders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle seats are heavy, non-movable, and inflexible, limiting interior design options, especially with the advent of autonomous driving which demands more versatile and lightweight seating solutions.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible seat assembly utilizing pneumatic bladder members and internal rigid frame members that can be inflated or deflated to change shape and size, allowing for adjustable support and easy transport, with mechanisms like bistable springs and straps for collapsing and inflating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If conventional frame structures and attached fabric are used for vehicle seats, then structural strength and stability are ensured, but the seat weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat weightVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses pneumatic bladder members inflated with air to replace traditional heavy frame structures. The inflated bladders provide the necessary structural support and stability while being significantly lighter than conventional metal frames, directly resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible fabric covers and thin-walled pneumatic structures instead of rigid metal frames. These flexible elements maintain structural integrity when inflated while dramatically reducing seat weight, addressing the contradiction between using lightweight materials and ensuring adequate strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed vehicle seats are used, then structural stability is maintained, but interior design flexibility and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior design flexibilityVSAvoidseat structural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms fixed, static seats into dynamic, adjustable structures. The pneumatic bladders can be inflated or deflated on demand, allowing the seat configuration to change adaptively while maintaining stability during use. This enables flexible interior design arrangements that can be reconfigured as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the seat into separate pneumatic bladder modules that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows different portions of the interior to be configured independently, enhancing design flexibility while each module maintains its own structural stability when inflated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Weight of moving object

If lightweight materials are used for vehicle seats, then weight is reduced, but structural support and durability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat weightVSAvoidstructural support

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the lightweight material from deflated to inflated. By controlling the air pressure parameter within the pneumatic bladders, the structure transitions from a collapsed, lightweight state to an expanded, load-bearing state, providing both weight reduction and reliable structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses internal air pressure as a counterbalancing force to support the seat structure and occupants. The pressurized air within the bladders provides the necessary structural support to counteract the lightweight construction, ensuring durability and reliability without requiring heavy materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 a lightweight, flexible, and adjustable seating system that can be easily moved or removed, enhancing vehicle interior design flexibility and user comfort while reducing weight and material usage.

Implementation Method 1

one or more pneumatic bladder members providing, in an inflated state, at least a base portion and a seatback portion of the collapsible seat assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10759319B2Collapsible seat assemby

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A collapsible seat assembly includes one or more pneumatic bladder members providing, in an inflated state, at least a base portion and a seatback portion of the collapsible seat assembly, and a plurality of internal rigid frame members disposed at least partially within the one or more pneumatic bladder members. At least a portion of the one or more pneumatic bladder members can attach to at least a portion of the plurality of internal rigid frame members to provide a support for the one or more pneumatic bladder members.