Inflatable Blanket for Vehicle Seat Reclining Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle safety measures do not accommodate scenarios where occupants may safely recline during vehicle movement, as technology and regulatory frameworks may evolve to permit such activities in the future.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable blanket system integrated with a vehicle seat, controlled by a computer and pressure sensors, which inflates and deflates based on engagement with an anchor, providing support and kinematic control for occupants, potentially allowing safe reclining during vehicle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current vehicle safety measures are maintained (occupants must sit upright), then occupant safety is ensured under existing regulations, but occupant comfort and flexibility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by providing an inflatable blanket that can adapt its state between inflated and deflated conditions. When inflated, the blanket provides support to allow occupants to recline comfortably; when deflated, it provides minimal interference to maintain safety. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between comfort and safety by allowing the system to switch between different operational states based on needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If technology evolves to permit reclining during vehicle movement, then occupant comfort and versatility are improved, but safety risks may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing an inflatable blanket that can be deployed in advance to support occupants who wish to recline. The blanket is positioned and inflated before any potential safety issue arises, creating a cushioning effect that maintains occupant position and reduces safety risks associated with reclining during vehicle movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an inflatable blanket system is added to provide reclining support, then occupant comfort and versatility are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an inflatable blanket that serves multiple functions: providing comfort support for reclining, maintaining occupant position for safety, and potentially serving as a restraint system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while still achieving the desired adaptability.
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 system enables safe reclining of occupants by providing dynamic support and control, adapting to changing safety standards and technological advancements, enhancing occupant safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a blower in fluid communication with the blanket to inflate the blanket to the inflated position
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor in fluid communication with an interior of the blanket and in electronic communication with the computer
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a seat. The assembly includes an anchor fixed relative to the seat. The assembly includes a blanket engageable with the anchor and inflatable to an inflated position. The assembly includes a computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions to inflate the blanket in response to detecting engagement of the blanket with the anchor and to deflate the blanket in response to detecting disengagement of the blanket from the anchor.