Massage Bladder Active Deflation Using Vacuum Pump Control
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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
An inflate/deflate system utilizing 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 transition between inflate and deflate states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If passive deflation is used for fluid bladders, then the system structure is simple, but the deflation speed is slow and massage effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical deflation with an active pneumatic system using a vacuum pump to create negative pressure, enabling controlled and rapid deflation of massage bladders while maintaining system simplicity through electronic control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vacuum pump and pneumatic control system to actively manage fluid bladder deflation, using pressure differential (negative pressure) to accelerate fluid removal and enable precise control over deflation timing and rate
2Productivity
If active deflation mechanism is added, then the deflation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump serves multiple functions: it actively deflates massage bladders, controls deflation timing, and enables rapid transition between inflate and deflate states, consolidating multiple control functions into a single device that manages both inflation and deflation cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from positive pressure (inflation only) to negative pressure (active deflation), enabling controlled and efficient deflation while maintaining simplicity through electronic parameter control rather than complex mechanical 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 system enables rapid and efficient deflation of fluid bladders, enhancing the comfort and effectiveness of massage functions in vehicle seats by allowing for precise control over bladder inflation and deflation.
Implementation Method 1
An apparatus may comprise: a pump; at least one fluid bladder fluidly connected to the pump... the pump selectively and actively deflates the at least one fluid bladder
Implementation Method 2
An apparatus may comprise: a pneumatic connector with a vacuum effect... the pneumatic connector selectively and actively deflates the at least one fluid bladder
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A
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.