Lumbar support assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lumbar support assemblies with air bladders are difficult to assemble and maintain due to complex configurations, such as integrated pumps and valves, which hinder component replacement and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A lumbar support assembly design featuring a suspension mat with strategically placed holes, an air bladder with clip holes, a pouch with a pump, and an electronic valve connected via tubes, utilizing a fixing clip and tension springs for easy attachment and detachment, along with a felt pad for improved assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the pump is integrated with the electronic valve, then the device structure is more compact, but assembly and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated pump-valve assembly into separate components: the pump is housed in a pouch that can be independently attached and detached from the suspension mat, while the electronic valve remains integrated with the control system. This segmentation allows the pump to be replaced or maintained separately from the valve, resolving the contradiction between compact structure and ease of maintenance.
2Strength
If the air bladder is attached to the suspension mat by heat fusion, then the attachment is strong, but component replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air bladder from its permanently fused position and provides it with a separate opening through which a removal tool can be inserted. This allows the air bladder to be detached and replaced independently from the suspension mat, maintaining strong attachment during use while enabling easy replacement when needed.
3Device complexity
If multiple components are integrated in one assembly, then the overall structure is more compact, but accessibility for maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the pouch containing the pump is attached to the suspension mat, and the air bladder is nested within the pouch assembly. The electronic valve is integrated into the control system but remains accessible through separate access points. This nested arrangement maintains compact overall structure while providing independent access to each component for maintenance.
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 design significantly simplifies assembly and maintenance by allowing rapid coupling and decoupling of components, reducing complexity and improving accessibility for component replacement compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of air bladders is selectively expanded or contracted by the operation of a seat user
Implementation Method 2
a fixing clip mounted in the first clip hole or the second clip hole
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a lumbar support assembly having an air bladder and components for operating the air bladder and facilitating the assembly and maintenance thereof. The lumbar support assembly includes: a suspension mat having a first hole formed at the inner side thereof, and having a second hole formed at one edge thereof; an air bladder having a first clip hole, which is formed at one edge thereof and overlaps with the first hole; a pouch including a pump and having a second clip hole, which is formed at one edge thereof and overlaps with the second hole; a fixing clip that can be mounted in the first clip hole or the second clip hole; and an electronic valve which has a first tube connected to the air bladder and a second tube connected to the pump and which is coupled to the rear surface of the suspension mat.