Device for providing a pneumatic pressure medium by means of a pressure medium source for at least one pressure medium chamber of a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle in particular

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for providing a pneumatic pressure medium to vehicle seat chambers are inefficient in terms of mechanical connection between the motor of the pressure medium source and the control module, leading to potential electromagnetic interference and increased installation complexity.

Innovation Solution

The motor is strategically located between the pump and the control module, with an interference-suppression device, such as capacitors, integrated into the control module, allowing for a direct mechanical connection and reducing electromagnetic interference, while eliminating the need for additional EMC measures and cabling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the motor is located between the pump and the control module with direct mechanical connection, then electromagnetic interference is reduced and installation complexity is minimized, but the mechanical connection security and electromagnetic shielding become critical concerns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation complexityVSAvoidmechanical connection security
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motor is integrated directly between the pump and control module, merging three previously separate components into a compact assembly. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, extensive cabling, and complex alignment procedures, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining connection security through direct mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor serves as an intermediary element that provides both mechanical power transmission and electrical connection between the pump and control module. This intermediary positioning allows for direct mechanical coupling that secures all components together while minimizing electromagnetic interference through strategic placement and integration of shielding elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If interference-suppression capacitors are integrated into the control module, then electromagnetic interference is minimized and additional EMC measures are eliminated, but the control module design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidcontrol module design
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interference-suppression capacitors are integrated directly into the control module assembly, combining electromagnetic filtering functionality with the control module structure. This eliminates the need for separate EMC components and their associated mounting, wiring, and shielding, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control module is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides electrical control signals, houses interference-suppression capacitors for EMC protection, and serves as a structural mounting point for the motor assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated EMC components and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If the motor is positioned between the pump and control module, then installation space is reduced and production time is shortened, but the spatial arrangement and thermal management become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidthermal management
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The motor is positioned in the spatial gap between the pump and control module, effectively nesting it within the existing component arrangement. This utilizes otherwise wasted space, reducing the overall installation footprint without requiring additional thermal management infrastructure, as the motor is surrounded by components that provide passive thermal dissipation pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration enhances the efficiency of the pressure medium supply by minimizing electromagnetic interference, reducing installation space requirements, and shortening production time, while maintaining a secure mechanical connection.

Implementation Method 1

The motor (2) is located between the pump (1) and the control module (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an interference-suppression device, in particular of interference-suppression capacitors, can be provided on the control module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference suppression: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11454233B2Device for providing a pneumatic pressure medium by means of a pressure medium source for at least one pressure medium chamber of a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle in particular
Publication Date: 2022.09.27 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • US11454233B2 patent drawing
  • US11454233B2 patent drawing
  • US11454233B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device provides a pneumatic pressure medium via a pressure medium source for at least one pressure medium chamber in particular of a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle. The device has a pressure medium source for the pressure medium and a pressure medium line disposed between the pressure medium source and at least one valve. At least one connection for a pressure medium line is disposed between the valve and the pressure medium chamber. A control module actuates the pressure medium source and the at least one valve. The device further has a housing. A motor of the pressure medium source is located between the control module and a pump of the pressure medium source.