Flexible Seatback Contour Adjustment for Pressure-Free Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat systems lack adjustability and comfort, with existing adjustment devices being complex, heavy, unreliable, and unable to accommodate diverse occupant preferences for size, shape, and type.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, reliable seat system with a flexible member actuated by straps and actuating elements, using thermoplastic elastomer materials, allowing for adjustable contour changes via an actuator mechanism to enhance bolster support and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustment devices are used to provide seat contour adjustment, then some level of adjustability is achieved, but the devices become overly complicated, heavy and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is divided into multiple adjustable segments or zones using straps that can independently adjust different regions. This segmentation allows localized contour changes without requiring a complex overall adjustment mechanism, enabling adaptability while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible straps made of elastic material to adjust the seatback contour. These thin, flexible elements replace bulky mechanical adjustment devices, providing reliability and simplicity while enabling continuous contour adjustment across different seat regions.
2Shape
If conventional bolsters are used to change seat contour, then localized contour change is achieved, but the contour remains interrupted with localized pressure points
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback incorporates elastic straps that can be dynamically adjusted to create continuous, smooth contour changes rather than fixed, rigid bolster structures. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates interrupted contours and localized pressure points by allowing the seat surface to conform continuously to the occupant's body shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the seatback by using elastic, flexible materials that can be tensioned and relaxed to create smooth contour variations. This allows the seat surface to maintain continuous contact with the occupant, eliminating pressure points while providing adjustable shape modification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional seat systems are used, then basic seating function is provided, but they cannot accommodate diverse occupant preferences for size, shape, and type
Solution Approach 1:
The seat system uses universal elastic straps that can adjust multiple regions of the seatback simultaneously, accommodating different occupant sizes, shapes, and preferences with a single adjustable mechanism. This multi-functional approach provides broad adaptability while maintaining system simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic straps are designed to be easily adjusted by the occupant themselves without requiring complex mechanical systems or assistance. This self-service adjustment capability provides reliable adaptability to diverse occupants while keeping the system simple and maintenance-free.
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 wide range of adjustability, improving occupant comfort by eliminating pressure points and accommodating various sizes and shapes, while being simple and reliable.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible member is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer
Data Source
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AI summary
A seat system (1; 42) for a vehicle including a flexible seatback structure (7; 46) and an adjustment device (10; 56) coupled thereto. The adjustment device (10; 56) is configured to alter a contour of a seating surface of the seatback structure (7; 46) by causing at least a portion of the seatback structure (7; 46) to move toward or away from the occupant of the seat system (1; 42).