Vehicle Seat Massage Bladder Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat massage technologies primarily use large air bladders for non-moving massages over a defined area, lacking the ability to apply targeted forces that mimic the pulling and pushing actions typically experienced in human massages.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with a two-dimensional matrix arrangement of independently shape-changing deformation elements between the frame and seat support, allowing for localized and dynamic forces to be applied, simulating moving, circulating, and pulling actions by activating individual air bladders pneumatically or hydraulically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If large air bladders are used for massage, then a non-moving massage over a large area is achieved, but the ability to apply targeted moving forces is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The large air bladder system is segmented into multiple small deformation elements arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Each element can be independently activated or deactivated, allowing the system to create various massage patterns by controlling specific segments. This segmentation enables both large-area coverage and targeted localized massage by selectively activating groups of elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, non-moving massage approach to a dynamic one by enabling sequential activation of deformation elements. The control system can activate elements in different sequences and patterns, creating moving massage forces that simulate human massage techniques. The deformation elements can change shape dynamically in response to control signals.
2Device complexity
If a single large air bladder is used, then simple structure is maintained, but targeted localized massage capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large air bladder, the system divides the massage area into multiple small deformation elements arranged in a matrix. Each element is a simple, standardized component that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows precise targeting of specific muscle groups or body areas by activating only the necessary elements, while maintaining overall structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different properties to different parts of the massage area by enabling selective activation of deformation elements. Each element can be controlled independently to provide customized massage pressure and timing to specific locations. This local quality control allows precise targeting of problem areas while maintaining a simple overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independently controllable deformation elements are used, then targeted moving massage forces are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each deformation element in the matrix serves multiple functions: it can be activated individually for localized massage, grouped with adjacent elements for area massage, or activated in sequences for moving massage patterns. The same hardware infrastructure supports various massage modes and patterns, reducing the need for additional specialized components and minimizing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages the complexity of coordinating multiple deformation elements by implementing pre-programmed massage patterns and sequences. The system self-regulates the activation timing and patterns without requiring complex manual control mechanisms. The deformation elements themselves are simple components that respond automatically to control signals, reducing the complexity of individual element design.
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 a targeted and authentic massage experience by applying locally changing forces that mimic human massage patterns, effectively massaging specific muscle areas with moving and circulating forces.
Implementation Method 1
activating, in an independent and individual manner, a plurality of deformation elements... The activation of the plurality of deformation elements is carried out to change respective shapes thereof
Implementation Method 2
activating individual air bladders pneumatically or hydraulically
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes a frame, a seat support, a first arrangement of a first plurality of deformation elements between the frame and the seat support. The deformation elements are arranged directly adjacent to one another in a two-dimensional matrix arrangement and are changeable in respective shapes thereof independently of one another.