Parameterized Massage Sequence Adaptation for Pneumatic Seat Cushions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic massage systems require manual, experimental adaptation of control times for different seat types due to variations in components and seat properties, leading to inefficiencies and potential component overloading.
Innovation Solution
A parameterizable calculation model determines the properties of inflatable cushions based on their location, compressor power, and size, adjusting control signals to achieve specified filling degrees, allowing seamless adaptation of massage sequences across different seat types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If purely time-based control is used for massage sequences, then the control system is simple, but the massage sequences cannot be properly adapted to different seat types without experimental adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameters from fixed time-based values to pressure-based values. The control unit receives pressure sensor signals indicating the actual pressure in each air cushion and compares it with target pressure values. This allows the same control program to be used across different seat types by simply adjusting the target pressure parameters, eliminating the need for experimental adaptation while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback from pressure sensors in each air cushion to the control unit. The sensors continuously monitor the actual pressure and feed this information back to the control unit, which adjusts the filling and venting operations accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic adaptation to different seat types without requiring manual experimental adjustment of control times.
2Reliability
If massage sequences are experimentally adapted for each seat type, then the massage effect is optimized for each specific seat, but the effort and time required for adaptation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressure as the controlling parameter instead of time. Since pressure directly reflects the physical state of the air cushion and its interaction with the occupant, using pressure-based control ensures optimal massage effect across different seat types. The control unit adjusts filling and venting based on pressure feedback, automatically optimizing the massage effect without requiring time-consuming experimental adaptation for each seat type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adaptation through the pressure feedback mechanism. The pressure sensors automatically detect the actual conditions in each air cushion, and the control unit automatically adjusts the control signals to achieve target pressure values. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual experimental adaptation by technicians, reducing both time and effort while maintaining optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed control times are used for different seat types, then the control program is universal, but component overloading may occur due to variations in seat properties
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure feedback system continuously monitors the actual pressure in each air cushion and provides this information to the control unit. The control unit compares the actual pressure with the target pressure and adjusts the filling and venting operations accordingly. This prevents overpressure conditions that could lead to component overloading, while maintaining a universal control program applicable to different seat types.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the filling and venting operations based on real-time pressure feedback. Instead of using fixed control times, the system modifies the duration and intensity of compressor operation and valve actuation according to the actual pressure conditions. This dynamic adaptation ensures component safety across different seat types while maintaining program universality.
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 efficient and adaptive massage sequences across varying seat types without overloading components, facilitating easy exchange and customization of massage programs.
Implementation Method 1
a controllable compressor for the purposes of filling with a fluid
Implementation Method 2
the vessel pressure is determined by means of a mathematical model
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adapting massage sequences to different types of seats, which have a number of inflatable cushions arranged at specified locations in the seat, is described. Here, a calculation model is parameterized for a specific seat type, and the duration of control commands for filling and ventilation of a cushion is adapted for each step such that a specified degree of filling is achieved, wherein the total temporal length of a step may vary in order either to achieve continuous operation of the compressor or in order to adhere to pauses of a defined minimum duration in the activation of the compressor.