Lumbar support assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lumbar support assemblies with air bladders in seat backrests are difficult to assemble and maintain due to complex configurations, such as integrated pumps and valves, which hinder component replacement and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The lumbar support assembly features a suspension mat with strategically placed holes, an air bladder with clip holes, a pouch with a built-in pump, and an electronic valve connected via tubes, secured by a fixing clip and tension springs, allowing for easier assembly and maintenance by facilitating quick coupling and decoupling of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
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 (130) and the electronic valve (150) are no longer integrated but are positioned as separate units connected via tubes (152, 154). This segmentation allows each component to be independently assembled, inspected, and replaced, directly resolving the maintenance difficulty caused by integration while maintaining a compact overall structure through strategic positioning.
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 (120) from its heat-fused attachment to the suspension mat (110). Instead of permanent thermal bonding, the air bladder is now positioned as a separable component that can be independently removed and replaced. This extraction maintains functional integrity while enabling easy maintenance and component replacement.
3Ease of manufacture
If the tubes are loosely arranged, then the assembly is simple, but the appearance is messy and functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the tube arrangement issue by transitioning from a two-dimensional loose layout to a three-dimensional organized structure. Tubes (152, 154) are routed through designated pathways and positioned in specific spatial relationships among components, creating a neat, organized appearance while maintaining assembly simplicity. This dimensional organization eliminates messiness without complicating the assembly process.
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 significantly simplifies the assembly and maintenance of the lumbar support assembly, making it easier to replace components and arrange tubes neatly, compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a pump that provides air to the air bladder
Implementation Method 2
a fixing clip mounted in the first clip hole or the second clip hole
Implementation Method 3
a pair of tension springs coupled to both edges of an upper portion of the suspension mat
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
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.