Fluidic Pneumatic Massage Module for Sequential Bladder Inflation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic massage systems for vehicular seating require complex electro-mechanical valves to control the inflation and deflation of multiple bladders, leading to high costs and complexity, making it difficult to outfit lower-cost vehicles with massage systems.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic module with a fluidic switching module that uses cascading vented fluidic amplifiers and feedback zones to control airflow and inflate/deflate bladders in a predetermined sequence without mechanical or electrical valves, relying on the Coanda and Venturi effects to direct airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electro-mechanical valves are used to control airflow to multiple bladders, then reliable sequential control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electro-mechanical valves with a fluidic switching module that uses fluid dynamics (Coanda effect and Venturi effect) to control airflow direction. The fluidic amplifier uses pressure differential feedback to automatically switch airflow between bladders, eliminating mechanical moving parts and electrical components while maintaining reliable sequential control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles throughout the system, particularly the Coanda effect where pressurized air follows a curved surface to deflect airflow to specific bladders, and the Venturi effect where constricted passages create pressure differentials to control the fluidic amplifier switching mechanism, enabling valveless sequential bladder control.
2Ease of operation
If electro-mechanical valve systems are implemented, then precise bladder control is achieved, but production and development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic switching module is self-regulating through pressure differential feedback. When one bladder reaches sufficient pressure, the backpressure automatically triggers the fluidic amplifier to switch airflow to the next bladder, eliminating the need for external sensors, controllers, or programming, thereby reducing both operational complexity and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical fluidic amplifier designs for each bladder control circuit, allowing standardized mass production of the switching modules. This modular approach enables economies of scale and simplifies manufacturing compared to custom electro-mechanical valve assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electro-mechanical valves are used for each bladder, then independent bladder control is achieved, but the system becomes difficult to install in lower-cost vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated fluidic switching module. The module receives one pressurized air input and uses internal fluidic amplifiers to distribute controlled airflow to multiple bladders in sequence, consolidating what would require multiple separate electro-mechanical valves into one compact unit that is easier to install and integrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic switching module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a flow distributor, pressure regulator, and sequential controller all in one device. This multi-functionality replaces several separate components (valves, pressure sensors, control electronics) with a single universal unit that can be adapted to various vehicle configurations.
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 solution provides a cost-efficient, reliable, and simplified pneumatic massage system that achieves a defined sequential massage effect through the cyclical inflation and deflation of bladders, reducing production and development costs while eliminating the need for electronic controls.
Implementation Method 1
The air splitter is configured to create two unequal air pressure fields to deflect an airflow from the air inlet to the second subsystem
Implementation Method 2
The second subsystem is configured to create two unequal air pressure fields to deflect the airflow toward the first air bladder to inflate the first air bladder
Implementation Method 3
a fourth backpressure from the fourth air bladder is generated in the second feedback passage. The fourth backpressure causes the air splitter to switch and deflect to the airflow from the third subsystem to the second subsystem
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic module has an air passage formed therein, including an air inlet to receive a source of pressurized air, a first subsystem with an air splitter in fluid communication with the air inlet, a second subsystem, and a third subsystem. The air splitter is configured to create two unequal air pressure fields to deflect an airflow from the air inlet to the second subsystem. The second subsystem is configured to create two unequal air pressure fields to deflect the airflow toward a first air bladder to inflate the first air bladder, and when the first air bladder reaches a first threshold air pressure, a first backpressure from the first air bladder causes the second subsystem to switch and deflect the air flow to a second air bladder. A second backpressure causes the air splitter to switch and deflect the airflow from the second subsystem to the third subsystem.