Adjustable Occupant Support Pad With Pneumatic Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional occupant supports in vehicles lack the ability to dynamically adjust their dimensions to maximize comfort and aesthetics, failing to provide optimal support and customization for varying occupant sizes and preferences.
Innovation Solution
The occupant-support base features a pad-extension system with a pneumatic inflatable bladder and return springs, allowing the pad to move between retracted and expanded configurations, thereby adjusting its height and depth to customize support and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pad is made fixed in size, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot provide optimal support for varying occupant sizes and preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is designed with a movable portion that can dynamically adjust its position relative to the seat pan between retracted and extended configurations. This dynamic capability allows the pad to adapt to different occupant sizes and preferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of a pneumatic inflatable bladder and return springs for actuation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pad is extended to maximize comfort, then occupant support is improved, but the aesthetic appearance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pad can dynamically adjust its configuration to extend when occupant comfort is prioritized and retract when aesthetic appearance is the primary concern. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize for either comfort or aesthetics depending on the situation, resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pad-extension system is added to enable adjustment, then customization capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A pneumatic inflatable bladder is used as the pad-support mover to enable the pad-extension system. This pneumatic actuator provides effective customization capability through inflation and deflation while maintaining relatively simple system architecture compared to alternative actuation mechanisms, thus improving adaptability with controlled increases in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the pneumatic inflatable bladder (inflation pressure and volume) to control the pad's extension and retraction. This approach enables continuous adjustment of pad configuration to achieve optimal customization while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple through the use of elastic deformation of the bladder.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the movable pad support rotates, then the adjustment range is increased, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable pad support is designed to rotate about an axis relative to the pan mount, providing an additional degree of freedom for adjustment. This rotational capability significantly increases the adjustment range and customization options while the use of pneumatic actuation and return springs keeps the mechanical complexity manageable by eliminating the need for complex motorized rotation 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 effectively maximizes occupant comfort by dynamically adjusting the pad's dimensions to fit different users, enhancing both support and aesthetic appeal while maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The pad-support mover is an inflatable bladder arranged between the movable pad support and the pan mount. The inflatable bladder pushes the movable leg support away from the pan mount when inflated
Implementation Method 2
Return springs are provided in the illustrative embodiment to pull the movable pad support back toward the pan mount when the inflatable bladder is deflated
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant-support base includes a stationary seat pan and a pad coupled to the seat pan. The pad is coupled to the seat pan and configured to provide comfort to an occupant resting on the occupant-support base and provide a pleasing aesthetic to the occupant.