Motor-Driven Lumbar Support via Threaded Member and Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lumbar support systems in vehicle seats using Bowden cables are inefficient, noisy, and require numerous heavy components, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A lumbar support system utilizing a motor-driven threaded member with flexible cables to move the lumbar support between positions, reducing the need for heavy components and noise, while maintaining efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a Bowden cable is used to move the lumbar support, then the lumbar support can be actuated, but the system efficiency deteriorates and the system becomes noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional Bowden cable mechanical system with a direct motor-driven flexible cable system. The motor is positioned closer to the lumbar support element, eliminating the need for long Bowden cables and their associated friction losses, thereby improving system efficiency and reducing noise from cable friction and mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the Bowden cable from the system, replacing it with a simpler flexible cable directly driven by the motor. This elimination of the intermediate Bowden cable mechanism removes the source of friction-related inefficiencies and noise generation.
2Ease of operation
If a Bowden cable system is used, then the lumbar support can be actuated, but the system requires numerous heavy components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy Bowden cable assembly and replaces it with a lighter flexible cable system. The motor is positioned more efficiently, and the overall component count is reduced, resulting in a lighter system that maintains full actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible cables instead of rigid Bowden cable assemblies. These flexible cables are significantly lighter than traditional Bowden cables while maintaining the necessary strength and flexibility for lumbar support actuation, thereby reducing system weight.
3Productivity
If a motor-driven threaded member with flexible cables is used, then system efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex Bowden cable mechanical transmission system with a simpler direct-drive flexible cable system. While this improves efficiency, it does introduce a motor-driven threaded member mechanism. However, the overall complexity is reduced by eliminating the Bowden cable assembly, multiple connection points, and friction management requirements.
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 system provides efficient and quiet operation by translating the lumbar support through a motor-driven threaded member and flexible cables, enhancing user comfort and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A threaded member is operatively engaged with the motor such that the motor rotates the threaded member about an axis. A traveling member is operatively associated with the threaded member such that rotation of the threaded member translates the traveling member along the threaded member.
Implementation Method 2
A first flexible cable has a first end coupled to the first traveling member for movement therewith, a second end coupled to the fixed frame, and an intermediate portion operatively associated with the lumbar support. A second flexible cable has a first end coupled to the second traveling member for movement therewith, a second end coupled to the fixed frame, and an intermediate portion operatively associated with the lumbar support.
Data Source
AI summary
A lumbar support system for a seat backrest having a fixed frame includes a lumbar support coupled to the fixed frame that is movable from a first position to a second position and a motor for moving the lumbar support. A threaded member is operatively associated with the motor such that the motor rotates the threaded member about an axis. A traveling member is operatively associated with the threaded member such that rotation of the threaded member translates the traveling member along the threaded member. The system further includes a flexible cable having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the traveling member for movement therewith and the second end is coupled to the fixed frame such that translation of the traveling member in response to rotation of the threaded member moves the lumbar support element from the first position to the second position.