Inline Slider Mechanism for Adjustable Seat Lumbar Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable seat occupant support assemblies, particularly lumbar adjustment mechanisms, are often complex, costly, and space-intensive, limiting their widespread application due to the need for numerous components and complicated actuating mechanisms, which increases assembly time and cost, and restricts control placement options.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable seat support assembly featuring a resiliently bendable elongate beam spring with an inline slider mechanism that allows for adjustment of flexure via a drive carriage and actuator, such as a rotary crank wheel or cam-follower mechanism, enabling users to change the effective length of the beam spring to modify lumbar support without requiring extensive external components or electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic lumbar adjustment assemblies are used to provide adjustable support, then lumbar support functionality is achieved, but the assembly becomes complicated, expensive, and space-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex pneumatic system (air bladder, tubing, pump, control valve) and replaces it with a simple mechanical lever mechanism. The lever directly manipulates the beam spring to adjust lumbar support, eliminating the need for pneumatic components while maintaining the core functionality of adjustable lumbar support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive pneumatic components with inexpensive mechanical parts. The lever mechanism uses simple, durable components that are far cheaper than pneumatic assemblies, making the lumbar support feature cost-effective and suitable for widespread application.
2Reliability
If mechanical lumbar adjustment assemblies with flexible beam springs and cable mechanisms are used, then adjustable support is provided, but assembly time and costs increase due to many parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complicated cable, clutch-connecting rod, and screw mechanisms from traditional mechanical assemblies. The lever mechanism directly adjusts the beam spring without requiring these intermediate components, dramatically reducing part count and simplifying assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the single lever mechanism. The lever simultaneously provides the adjustment mechanism and the structural connection, eliminating the need for separate cable, clutch, and connecting rod components that were required in traditional designs.
3Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical actuating mechanisms are used, then lumbar adjustment is achieved, but the number of locations where controls can be located is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control mechanism into a compact lever that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the control to be placed in multiple locations on the seat without requiring complex transmission mechanisms, providing flexibility in control placement while maintaining adjustment functionality.
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-effective, space-efficient, and user-friendly adjustable lumbar support system that can be easily integrated into various seating products, offering customizable comfort without the complexity and high costs associated with traditional pneumatic or mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently bendable elongate beam spring
Implementation Method 2
an inline slider mechanism that slidably reciprocates the beam spring flexor relative to the beam spring to change the amount of flexure
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable seat occupant assembly for a vehicle seat including an elongate beam spring with an inline slider mechanism at its proximal end that displaces an beam spring flexor, e.g., elongate strap or link, operatively connected to a distal end of the spring to change the amount of flexure and prominence during adjustment to adjust support. In one embodiment, the mechanism is an inline slider crank mechanism carried by a drive carriage extending from the proximal end that rotates a crank when a knob is turned reciprocating the flexor between a fully retracted position where flexure is maximum and a fully extended position flexure is minimum. In another preferred embodiment, the mechanism is an inline slider cam-follower mechanism with a cam rotated by the knob to slidably displace a translating follower yoke that moves the flexor to change spring flexure.