Lumbar Support Device Hinge Mechanism Screw Length Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lumbar support devices require simultaneous movement of two links, leading to an increase in the length of the screw thread and consequently higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A lumbar support device configuration where only the first paddle is shifted via the lead screw, reducing the length of the screw thread needed, and simplifying the hinge mechanism by arranging the hinge pin at the seat-front side, allowing the pressure-receiving plate to pivot in seat front-rear directions with a support portion facilitating its movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two links are simultaneously moved via a lead screw along a seat-width axis, then the lumbar support device can push the attachment plate toward the seat-front side effectively, but the length of the screw thread increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the movement function into two separate mechanisms: the lead screw moves only the first link (first coupling portion) in the seat-width direction, while the second link (second coupling portion) is moved independently through the hinge mechanism. This segmentation eliminates the need for a long screw thread that would be required to move both links simultaneously, thereby reducing cost while maintaining lumbar support effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary that couples the movement of the first link to the second link. When the lead screw moves the first coupling portion, the hinge mechanism translates this movement to simultaneously move the second coupling portion, achieving the desired dual-link movement without requiring the lead screw to directly control both links.
2Reliability
If two links are simultaneously moved via a lead screw, then the attachment plate can be pushed toward the seat-front side, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the control of the two links - with the lead screw controlling only the first link and the hinge mechanism handling the coordination - the invention reduces the complexity of the lead screw assembly. The hinge mechanism, while adding a component, provides a simple and reliable way to coordinate movements without requiring complex control systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hinge pin is arranged at the seat-front side relative to the base, then the hinge mechanism configuration is simplified and cost is reduced, but the structural design becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric arrangement of the hinge pin at the seat-front side rather than a symmetric or centralized position. This asymmetric placement simplifies the hinge mechanism configuration and reduces manufacturing complexity while still achieving the required functional movement of the pressure-receiving plate.
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 configuration reduces the cost of the lumbar support device by minimizing the length of the screw thread and simplifying the hinge mechanism, while enabling effective movement of the pressure-receiving plate between retracted and deployed positions.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw configured to cause the hinge mechanism to be operable. The first paddle includes a first coupling portion coupled to the lead screw so as to be shifted in a seat-width direction as the lead screw rotates
Implementation Method 2
The hinge mechanism includes a hinge pin, and a first paddle and a second paddle coupled to each other via the hinge pin. The first paddle and the second paddle are configured to pivot about the hinge pin in the seat front-rear directions
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a lumbar support device that can reduce a cost involved. One aspect of the present disclosure is a lumbar support device including a base, a pressure-receiving plate arranged at a seat-front side relative to the base, a hinge mechanism moving the pressure-receiving plate in seat front-rear directions, and a lead screw causing the hinge mechanism to be operable. The hinge mechanism includes a first paddle and a second paddle pivoting about a hinge pin in the seat front-rear directions. The first paddle includes a first pressing portion pressing the pressure-receiving plate toward the seat-front side and a first coupling portion coupled to a lead screw so as to be shifted in a seat-width direction as the lead screw rotates. The second paddle includes a second pressing portion pressing the pressure-receiving plate toward the seat-front side and a second coupling portion rotatably coupled to the based.