4-Way Lumbar Support Motorized Curvature Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lumbar supports in vehicles face challenges in adjusting the vertical position and curvature of lumbar plates effectively, particularly under load conditions like rear-end collisions, and have limited range of adjustment due to mechanical constraints such as wire tension and rotating rod length.
Innovation Solution
A 4-way lumbar support system utilizing motors and hinge members to automatically adjust the vertical position and curvature of a lumbar plate, incorporating a sliding base, pusher, and lead screws driven by electric motors, allowing for wider curvature adjustment without increasing seat back thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wires are used to adjust lumbar plate curvature, then the lumbar support can be adjusted, but the adjustment range is limited due to wire tension and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wire-based mechanical adjustment system with an electric motor-driven system. The motor rotates a rod that directly pushes the lumbar plate, eliminating the need for wires and manual levers. This substitution increases the adjustment range while reducing structural complexity and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pusher mechanism with hinge members that functions similarly to a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator, using controlled mechanical force to extend and push the lumbar plate forward. This allows for a wider curvature adjustment range compared to wire-based systems.
2Reliability
If wires are used for lumbar support adjustment, then the lumbar plate can be curved, but the connection portion may be damaged under large load such as rear-end collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wire connection system with a solid rod-pusher mechanism that directly contacts and pushes the lumbar plate. This mechanical substitution provides much higher strength and reliability under large loads such as rear-end collisions, eliminating the risk of wire connection failure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating rod with screw is used to adjust lumbar plate curvature, then the lumbar plate can be curved, but the amount of forward curvature is limited due to the limited length of the rotating rod
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic pusher mechanism with hinge members that can extend and retract. The pusher includes a first hinge member connected to the sliding base and a second hinge member connected to the rod, allowing the mechanism to dynamically adjust its length and provide greater curvature adjustment range without increasing the fixed rod length.
4Ease of operation
If motors are used to automatically adjust lumbar plate position and curvature, then the adjustment is more convenient, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual wire-adjustment mechanisms with electric motor-driven systems. The first motor adjusts the vertical position of the sliding base, while the second motor adjusts the curvature by rotating the rod. This automation significantly improves ease of operation despite the added complexity of motor components.
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
Enables secure and adjustable lumbar support across a wider range, maintaining stability under load conditions and accommodating various occupant body types without mechanical limitations, ensuring effective support during vehicle collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a first lead screw extending vertically and rotatably driven by the first motor, and the sliding base may have a through-hole through which the first lead screw passes
Implementation Method 2
the pusher includes a first hinge member, a lower end portion of which is pivotably connected to the sliding base, and a second hinge member, a lower end portion of which is pivotably connected to an upper end portion of the first hinge member through a hinge shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a 4-way lumbar support capable of automatically adjusting a vertical curved position and an amount of curvature of a lumbar plate, while securely supporting the lumbar plate even when a large load, such as the rear-end collision of a vehicle, is applied to the lumbar plate. In addition, the 4-way lumbar support can adjust an amount of forward curvature of the lumbar plate using a pusher including a pair of hinge members, thereby enabling the amount of forward curvature of the lumbar plate to be adjusted across a wider range without increasing the thickness of a seat back in the forward and backward directions thereof.