Deformable Seat Shell Motion Control to Prevent Pelvis Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional seat assemblies face challenges in providing long-term comfort and preventing pelvis drift due to rigid structures and the limitations of foam cushions, which are difficult to recycle and adjust to changing occupant loads and positions.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly featuring a deformable seat shell coupled with a support frame via motion control links that allow constrained relative movement, enabling the seat to adjust shape in response to changing load distributions, thereby maintaining comfort and preventing pelvis drift without the need for traditional foam cushions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional foam cushions are used to provide comfort, then the seating surface is softer and more comfortable, but the material becomes difficult to recycle and dismantle at end-of-life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional foam cushions entirely from the seat assembly, replacing them with a deformable seat shell made of recyclable materials. This extraction eliminates the recycling problem while maintaining comfort through the deformable shell's ability to conform to occupant shape and distribute pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat shell's deformability parameters are optimized to provide comfort equivalent to foam cushions. The shell can change shape and absorb impact forces, providing the same cushioning effect through structural design rather than soft material.
2Strength
If rigid seat structures are used to maintain structural integrity, then the seat is stronger and more stable, but it cannot adjust to changing occupant loads and positions, causing pelvis drift
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly incorporates dynamic elements including a deformable seat shell and motion control links that allow the seat to adapt its configuration in response to occupant weight and position changes. This dynamic adjustment prevents pelvis drift while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat structure is divided into multiple segments including the deformable seat shell, motion control links, and support frame. This segmentation allows different parts to perform specialized functions - the shell provides adaptability while the support frame maintains structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to prevent pelvis drift and improve comfort, then adaptability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable seat shell and motion control links form a self-adjusting system that automatically adapts to occupant characteristics without requiring manual controls or complex electronic mechanisms. The system self-regulates to maintain proper seating position and prevent pelvis drift.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are combined into integrated components. The deformable seat shell simultaneously provides comfort, shape adaptation, and pelvis support, while the motion control links combine suspension and positioning functions, reducing overall system 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 seat assembly provides a self-adjusting, comfortable seating experience that conforms to the occupant's shape and size, reducing the need for multiple adjustments and eliminating the environmental concerns associated with foam cushions, while maintaining a lower profile design.
Implementation Method 1
The motion control link is a spring that undergoes elastic deformation when the joints undergo relative movement.
Implementation Method 2
The motion control link is a spring that undergoes elastic deformation when the joints undergo relative movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly includes a seat bottom with a deformable seat shell. The deformable seat shell is configured to change shape with a changing occupant load distribution. The seat shell is coupled with a support frame via a shell motion controller having one or more motion control links. Each motion control link is coupled with the seat shell at a fixed location relative to the seat shell and with the support frame at a fixed location relative to the support frame. The shell motion controller allows these fixed locations to move relative to each other and also constrains their relative movement. The combined seat shell deformation and controlled movement relative to the support frame can provide the seat occupant with a comfortable seating experience while preventing pelvis drift and potentially eliminating traditional foam seat cushions.