Massage Bladder Active Deflation Using Integrated Pump and Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat massage systems with fluid bladders lack efficient active deflation mechanisms, which can lead to discomfort and reduced effectiveness in providing massage functions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an inflate/deflate system that utilizes a pump with a vacuum effect and/or a pneumatic connector with a vacuum effect, or a pump with multiple valves, to actively deflate fluid bladders, ensuring efficient and controlled deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a passive deflation system is used for massage bladders, then the device complexity is reduced, but the massage effectiveness and occupant comfort deteriorate due to lack of controlled deflation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inflation pump and deflation valve into a single integrated pump unit with a two-way valve mechanism. This merging allows the same pump to perform both inflation (when valve directs fluid into bladder) and deflation (when valve directs fluid out of bladder), reducing overall system complexity while maintaining controlled deflation capability for effective massage function
2Reliability
If active deflation mechanism is implemented, then the massage effectiveness and comfort are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve both inflation and deflation operations. The two-way valve within the pump allows it to bidirectionally control fluid flow: directing fluid into the bladder for inflation and extracting fluid from the bladder for deflation. This universal design achieves controlled active deflation without requiring separate dedicated deflation equipment, thus limiting the increase in device complexity
3Measurement precision
If multiple valves are used for controlled deflation, then the precision of deflation control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single two-way valve mechanism within the pump. This valve can selectively direct fluid flow in two directions: into the bladder for inflation and out of the bladder for deflation. By combining these functions in one valve rather than using separate valves for each function, the system achieves precise deflation control while minimizing the increase in device complexity
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 solution enables efficient and controlled deflation of fluid bladders, enhancing occupant comfort and the effectiveness of the massage function by ensuring precise control over the inflation and deflation states.
Implementation Method 1
The pump (16) selectively inflates the at least one fluid bladder (12) to the inflate state and actively deflates the at least one fluid bladder (12) to the deflate state through the valve (18)
Implementation Method 2
the first channel (24) includes a variable diameter portion with a first portion (30) having a diameter that is less than a diameter of a second portion (32)
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus includes a pump, at least one fluid bladder fluidly connected to the pump, the at least one fluid bladder moveable between an inflate state and a deflate state, and at least one valve downstream of the pump and the at least one fluid bladder. A connector is connected to the pump, the at least one fluid bladder, and the at least one valve. The pump selectively inflates the at least one fluid bladder to the inflate state, and the at least one valve selectively and actively deflates the at least one fluid bladder.