Actuator System for Automatic Lumbar Support Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lumbar supports in vehicle seats require manual adjustment, which is inconvenient and fails to effectively adapt to changes in seating posture during long driving periods, lacking automatic control for optimal comfort.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system comprising a driving motor, worm gear, deceleration part, slider, and stopper mechanism that automatically controls the bending degree of the lumbar support through a wire system, allowing for automatic adjustment of the lumbar support's angle via a motor control part that senses revolutions per minute to limit movement range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of lumbar support is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated actuator system that uses a driving motor to control lumbar support bending. The motor-driven mechanism automatically adjusts the lumbar support angle without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while accepting increased device complexity through the addition of motorized components.
2Extent of automation
If automated actuator system is introduced, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system enables the lumbar support to adjust itself automatically based on driver input signals. The driving motor self-regulates the bending degree within a set range, and the motor control part automatically stops the motor when preset revolutions per minute are reached, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and achieving self-service automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms including a hall sensor that senses the revolutions per minute of the driving shaft and provides feedback to the motor control part. This feedback loop enables automatic control and stopping of the motor at predetermined positions, achieving precise automated adjustment while managing system complexity through intelligent control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment is used, then device complexity is low, but adaptability deteriorates as it cannot respond to posture changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static lumbar support system into a dynamic one by introducing a motor-driven actuator that can automatically adjust the bending degree in response to driver or passenger needs. The system adapts to changing seating postures during long driving periods by providing continuous adjustment capability, thereby improving adaptability while accepting the complexity of motorized control mechanisms.
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 actuator system provides automatic and convenient control over the lumbar support's bending degree, enhancing riding comfort by adapting to the driver's or passenger's posture without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a deceleration part having a worm gear which is engaged with the worm in a perpendicular direction and a screw which rotates in association with the worm gear and decelerating the power of a driving motor
Implementation Method 2
a screw which rotates in association with the worm gear and decelerating the power of a driving motor
Implementation Method 3
having a spiral groove that is formed on an inner peripheral surface so as to be spirally coupled with the outer peripheral surface of the screw such that the slider carries out rectilinear reciprocating motion according to the rotation direction of the driving motor
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator system for controlling a lumbar support includes a wire fixed and coupled with a lumbar support at one end; a driving motor rotatable in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction; a worm coupled with the driving shaft of a driving motor; a deceleration part having a worm gear and a screw which decelerates the power of the driving motor; a slider connected to the other end of the wire, and having a protrusion portion and a spiral groove so as to carry out rectilinear reciprocating motion according to the rotation direction of the driving motor; and a housing inserted by the slider and having a wire-passing hole, a connection hole, a mounting hole and a guide hole, wherein the bending degree of a lumbar support may be automatically controlled by rotation driving force applied in a set range, thereby providing riding comfort to passengers.