Inflatable Member Fluid Cells for Seat Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seating assemblies lack the ability to redistribute support effectively for various sizes of occupants, compromising comfort.
Innovation Solution
Inflatable members with upper and lower sheets, a fluid delivery assembly, and fluid cells defined by ridges on the lower sheet, which provide customizable support by redistributing fluid pressure in response to occupant weight and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional seating assemblies with fixed articulating side bolsters are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to redistribute support for various sizes of occupants is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable member is divided into multiple independent fluid cells (first fluid cell, second fluid cell, third fluid cell, fourth fluid cell) separated by ridges in the lower sheet. Each cell can be independently inflated or deflated to provide localized support adjustment, enabling the seating assembly to adapt to various occupant sizes and positions without requiring a completely complex new structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a fluid delivery assembly with fluid reservoirs and conduits to deliver fluid to the fluid cells, replacing traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms. This pneumatic/hydraulic system allows for smooth, continuous adjustment of support characteristics by controlling fluid pressure and distribution, significantly improving adaptability while keeping the overall structure manageable
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid delivery assembly with multiple fluid cells is added to enable support redistribution, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper sheet and lower sheet are combined to form an integrated inflatable member structure that encompasses multiple fluid cells. The ridges in the lower sheet simultaneously serve as structural support elements and as dividers for the fluid cells, merging multiple functions into a single component to reduce overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid delivery assembly is designed as a universal system that can service multiple fluid cells through a centralized fluid reservoir and distribution network. The same basic structure (sheets, ridges, fluid delivery assembly) can accommodate different numbers and arrangements of fluid cells, making the system multi-functional and adaptable without proportionally increasing complexity
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 inflatable members offer adjustable and customizable support, enhancing comfort by accommodating different sizes and positions of occupants, ensuring optimal hip point alignment and safety.
Implementation Method 1
fluid cells defined by a series of ridges formed by the lower sheet... provide customizable support by redistributing fluid pressure in response to occupant weight and size
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable member includes a fluid delivery assembly positioned at intervals between an upper and a lower sheet. A plurality of fluid cells is defined by a series of ridges formed by a lower sheet of the inflatable member.