Lumbar Support with Angle-Adjustable Crown to Reduce Actuator Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lumbar supports for motor vehicle seats require significant actuator travel to adjust the curvature and height of the lumbar spine support, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A lumbar support system with an adjustable crown of curvature that utilizes a support device with upper and lower angle adjusters connected to shape memory actuators, allowing for translational and rotational adjustments of the support device to change the position of the crown, thereby reducing actuator travel and enabling continuous adjustment of the lumbar support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electromechanical actuators are used to adjust lumbar support curvature and height, then the lumbar support can be adjusted, but the actuator travel distance becomes large (up to 100 mm) and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support device utilizes a dynamic mechanism where the support surface can change its curvature radius by rotating about a pivot point. This dynamic adjustment allows the same actuator travel to produce different curvature adjustments, effectively reducing the required actuator stroke while maintaining full adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a rotational dimension to the adjustment mechanism. Instead of linear movement only, the support surface rotates about a pivot point, adding an angular dimension to the adjustment. This rotational movement allows compact actuator placement while achieving the required adjustment range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electromechanical or pneumatic systems are used for lumbar support adjustment, then adjustment functionality is achieved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex electromechanical actuators with a simpler mechanical linkage system. The support surface is connected through a linkage mechanism that converts small linear actuator movements into rotational movements of the support surface, eliminating the need for high-power electromechanical or pneumatic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the support surface. It translates small actuator displacements into larger rotational movements of the support surface, providing mechanical advantage and reducing the energy requirements of the actuator.
3Manufacturing precision
If the lumbar support structure is made rigid for stable adjustment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the ability to achieve continuous adjustment with minimal actuator travel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support device employs a dynamic linkage mechanism that maintains rigid connections for precise positioning while allowing rotational movement about the pivot point. This combination of rigid linkages and rotational joints enables continuous adjustment with minimal actuator travel while maintaining positioning accuracy.
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 allows for precise and comfortable adjustment of the lumbar support with minimal actuator travel, providing optimal lordosis support with reduced energy consumption and noise, and the ability to lock the adjuster in place for continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
The lumbar support system with an adjustable crown of curvature utilizes a support device with upper and lower angle adjusters connected to shape memory actuators
Data Source
AI summary
A lumbar support (100) for a seat (200) defining a back plane (E) comprises a support device (10) having an upper end (O) including an upper angle of inclination (α) with the back plane (E) and a lower end (U) including a lower angle of inclination (β) with the back plane (E) and forming an crown of the curvature (S) located in an adjustable position between the upper end (O) and the lower end (U). The lumbar support (100) further comprises at least one angle adjuster (20, 25) connected to the upper end (O) or the lower end (U) and adapted to vary the upper angle of inclination (α) or the lower angle of inclination (β) in order to adjust the position of the crown of the curvature (S), and an actuator (30, 35) for adjusting the angle adjuster (20, 25).