Electroactive Polymer Valve for Compact Pneumatic Seat Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic seat adjustment devices in vehicles face challenges with compactness, actuation speed, noise generation, and complexity due to the use of piezo valves, electromagnetic valves, and shape memory alloy valves, which require high voltage, are heavy, and have slow actuator speed and large structural requirements.
Innovation Solution
The use of electroactive polymer valves, specifically dielectric elastomer foils, which deform with electrical voltage to control air passage in pneumatic seat cushions, allowing for compact, lightweight, and quiet operation with precise actuation over a wide thermal range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If piezo valves are used for pneumatic seat adjustment, then the valve size is compact, but high voltage is required for actuation and production cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the piezoelectric actuation mechanism with an electromagnetic valve mechanism. Instead of using piezo elements that require high voltage to deform and control air flow, the invention uses an electromagnetic coil that generates a magnetic field to move a valve element, thereby controlling the air passage. This substitution maintains compact valve dimensions while reducing the voltage requirement from high voltage (typically hundreds of volts for piezo) to standard low voltage (typically 12V or 24V in automotive applications).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation parameter from high voltage electrical signal (piezo) to low voltage electrical signal (electromagnetic). By altering the electrical parameter from high voltage to low voltage operation, the valve can be actuated using standard automotive electrical systems, thereby reducing the voltage requirement while maintaining the compact form factor through optimized electromagnetic coil and valve element design.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electromagnetic valves are used for pneumatic seat adjustment, then the valve can be actuated with low voltage, but the valve is heavy and requires multiple coordinated parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electromagnetic coil, valve body, and valve element into a single unified component rather than having separate parts that must be coordinated. The valve element is formed as an integral part of the valve body, and the electromagnetic coil is directly mounted on the valve housing, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and their associated mounting and coordination mechanisms. This integration significantly reduces the overall weight while maintaining low voltage actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electromagnetic actuation mechanism with the valve body into a single integrated unit. The coil assembly and valve element are combined in one compact structure, eliminating the need for separate actuator and valve components. This merging reduces the total number of parts, decreases the overall weight, and simplifies the coordination requirements while preserving the low voltage actuation advantage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electromagnetic valves are used for pneumatic seat adjustment, then the valve can be actuated with low voltage, but noise generation during switching is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates damping elements and cushioning features into the valve design to absorb and reduce the impact noise generated during valve switching. The valve element includes cushioning surfaces that reduce the impact force when the valve opens or closes, and the housing includes damping materials that absorb vibration and noise. This beforehand cushioning approach maintains low voltage actuation while significantly reducing the noise generation during switching operations.
4Device complexity
If shape memory alloy valves are used for pneumatic seat adjustment, then the valve structure is simple, but the actuator speed is reduced due to cooling time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the shape memory alloy thermal actuation mechanism with an electromagnetic actuation system. Instead of relying on thermal cycling and phase transformation of shape memory alloy materials that require cooling time, the invention uses an electromagnetic coil that can rapidly generate and dissipate magnetic fields to actuate the valve. This substitution eliminates the cooling time requirement and enables rapid actuation speeds while maintaining a simple overall valve structure through integration.
5Device complexity
If shape memory alloy valves are used for pneumatic seat adjustment, then the valve structure is simple, but a relatively large structural space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electromagnetic actuation components with the valve body into a single integrated structure. The coil assembly, valve element, and housing are combined in one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate actuator housing and mounting structures. This integration achieves a simple overall valve structure while minimizing the volume required, as the electromagnetic components can be densely packed within the valve housing without requiring additional structural space.
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 electroactive polymer valves provide a compact, lightweight, and quiet solution for pneumatic seat adjustment, enabling precise control and reduced structural space requirements while maintaining actuation performance across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a respective valve of at least some of the valves comprises one or more actuation elements composed of electroactive polymer, to which an electrical voltage can be applied, wherein, by application of the electrical voltage, a respective actuation element is deformed
Implementation Method 2
In a particularly preferred variant, as electroactive polymer, use is made of a dielectric elastomer which is preferably formed as a foil. Said elastomer comprises a dielectric elastic layer, composed for example of silicone or acrylic, on the two sides of which there is arranged in each case one electrically conductive layer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the pneumatic adjustment of a seat in a means of transport, in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising one or more cushions (3) which can be filled with air and which are connected via one or more valves (1) to a compressed-air supply (2), and a control device for the actuation of the one or more valves (1) for the purposes of changing the filling state of the one or more cushions (3). The device according to the invention is characterized in that a respective valve (1) of at least some of the valves (1) comprises one or more actuation elements (4) composed of electroactive polymer, to which an electrical voltage can be applied. By application of the electrical voltage, a respective actuation element (4) is deformed, and in this way, one or more passage openings (6, 6′) via which an exchange of compressed air with at least one cushion (3) takes place is or are opened up or shut off.