Multilayer Vehicle Seat with Inflatable Bladder and Tunable Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle seats are rigid and lack flexibility, making them uncomfortable for extended periods, and are aesthetically unappealing, while also being difficult to assemble and lacking in support.
Innovation Solution
A multilayered vehicle seat design featuring a flexible static layer, a dynamic layer with adjustable firmness via inflatable bladders, a suspension layer of tunable springs, and a frame-supported carrier, which allows for customizable firmness and comfort through adjustable pressure and tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional thick foam members are used for horizontal seating supports, then structural support is provided, but flexibility and comfort during extended trips deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into multiple functional layers: a frame-supported carrier with suspension layer for structural support, a flexible dynamic layer with inflatable bladders for adjustable firmness, and a flexible static layer for comfort. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible dynamic layer incorporates inflatable bladders that can be adjusted to change the firmness of the seat dynamically. This allows the seat to adapt to different user preferences and trip durations, providing both support and flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional foam members are used, then assembly is simplified, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds vertical layering to the seat structure, creating a multilayer assembly that enhances aesthetic appeal through dimensional complexity while maintaining assembly simplicity through modular design. Each layer can be independently manufactured and then assembled.
3Device complexity
If traditional foam members are used, then the seat structure is simple, but adaptability to different user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible dynamic layer uses inflatable bladders where the firmness parameter can be changed by adjusting air pressure. This allows the same seat structure to adapt to different user preferences and needs without changing the overall structural complexity.
4Quantity of substance
If traditional foam members are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but comfort during extended trips deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat uses composite materials including foam, fabric, leather, and inflatable bladder materials combined in a multilayer assembly. This combination provides enhanced comfort through material properties that work synergistically while managing overall material quantity efficiently.
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 multilayered design provides enhanced flexibility and support, allowing for adjustable firmness and comfort, improving user experience during long trips while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible dynamic layer having an adjustable firmness
Implementation Method 2
a suspension layer formed from tunable springs which support a flexible panel
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes a lower seating structure and a raised seatback support, wherein one of either the lower seating structure or raised seatback support consists of a multilayer assembly. The multilayer assembly includes a flexible static layer, a flexible dynamic layer having an adjustable firmness, a suspension layer formed from tunable springs which support a flexible panel, and a frame supported carrier including a protective recess within which the suspension layer is cradled.