Inflatable Thoracic Support for Vehicle Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seating assemblies lack advanced features and comfort options, particularly in the upper thoracic region, to effectively support occupants during vehicle maneuvers and provide adjustable support.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly with a seatback that includes a frame, sub-frame member, carrier, cushion, and inflatable member, where the inflatable member is pivotably coupled to initiate motion of the sub-frame member about a defined axis, allowing for adjustable support and comfort through inflation and deflation states, with a pressure gauge monitored by a control module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an inflatable member is added to provide adjustable upper thoracic support, then comfort and support are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inflatable member (pneumatic element) positioned between the frame and carrier to provide adjustable upper thoracic support. The inflatable member can be inflated or deflated to adjust the level of support and comfort, allowing the system to adapt to different occupant needs and vehicle maneuver conditions without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable member serves multiple functions: it provides upper thoracic support, enhances occupant retention during vehicle maneuvers, and reduces noise through its cushioning effect. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple requirements, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sub-frame member is made pivotable to enable independent position adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-frame member is designed to be pivotable relative to the frame, enabling dynamic adjustment of the upper thoracic support position independent of the seatback rotation. This dynamic capability allows the support to adapt to different occupant positions and preferences without requiring complex locking mechanisms or multiple fixed positions
Solution Approach 2:
The seatback is segmented into multiple independent components: the frame, the pivotable sub-frame member, and the carrier. This segmentation allows the sub-frame member to be adjusted independently of other components, providing localized adaptability without requiring the entire seatback system to be complex
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inflatable member is positioned between the frame and sub-frame member, then comfort is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable member is positioned within a recess defined by the frame, and the sub-frame member is positioned within a recess defined by the inflatable member, creating a nested arrangement. This nesting simplifies manufacturing by integrating the inflatable member into the existing structural recesses rather than requiring separate mounting operations or additional complex assemblies
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 enhanced comfort and support in the upper thoracic region by adjusting the sub-frame member's position independently of the seatback's rotation, improving occupant retention and reducing noise through controlled inflation and deflation of the inflatable member.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable member is operable between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable member initiates pivotable motion of the sub-frame member about an axis defined by the bracket.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly including a seat and a seatback pivotably coupled to the seat. The seatback includes a frame, a sub-frame member, a carrier, a cushion, and an inflatable member. The sub-frame member is pivotably coupled to an occupant-facing surface of the frame by a bracket. The carrier is coupled to the frame such that the sub-frame member is positioned between the frame and the carrier. The cushion is coupled to an occupant-facing surface of the carrier. The inflatable member is positioned between the occupant-facing surface of the frame and an interior surface of the sub-frame member. The inflatable member is operable between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable member initiates pivotable motion of the sub-frame member of an axis defined by the bracket.