Pneumatic Headrest and Thigh Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adjustable seats in vehicles require multiple mechanical actuators for each adjustable component, leading to increased weight, complexity, and cost, making it difficult to achieve high adjustability while maintaining a balanced and cost-effective design.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically adjustable seat system using a drive assembly with bladders and pressurized fluid to move and pivot components, such as headrests and thigh supports, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical actuators by using a single or dual pneumatic pump system to distribute pressurized fluid through fluid communication lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mechanical actuators are used for each adjustable component, then adjustability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate mechanical actuators into a single pneumatic actuator that uses fluid pressure to control multiple adjustable components (headrest height, headrest tilt, seat cushion position) simultaneously. This merging approach maintains full adjustability while dramatically reducing the total weight of the actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical actuators with a pneumatic system that uses compressed air or fluid pressure to drive adjustable components. The pneumatic actuator with movable diaphragm and linkage mechanisms provides the necessary force for adjustment without the weight penalty of multiple electric or mechanical motors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mechanical actuators are used for each adjustable component, then adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple actuation functions into a single pneumatic actuator assembly with a unified control mechanism. The movable diaphragm and linkage system consolidates what would otherwise require separate actuators, reducing the number of control systems, mounting points, and potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic actuator is designed as a universal mechanism that can perform multiple functions (vertical adjustment, tilt adjustment, cushion positioning) through a single device. The linkage system allows one actuator to control multiple degrees of freedom, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mechanical actuators are used for each adjustable component, then adjustability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple expensive mechanical actuators into a single pneumatic actuator unit, reducing the total component count and assembly requirements. This merging approach lowers material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly labor while maintaining comprehensive adjustability features.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic system offers a cost-effective alternative to multiple precision mechanical actuators. The use of compressed air or fluid pressure provides sufficient force for seat adjustments without requiring expensive motors, sensors, and control electronics for each individual component.
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 pneumatic system reduces weight, complexity, and cost while providing adjustable support for occupants by using pressurized fluid to extend and pivot seat components, enhancing comfort and support without the need for additional mechanical actuators.
Implementation Method 1
A bladder is operatively coupled to the contact member and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid. Inflation of the bladder via the source of pressurized fluid moves the contact member from a first position to a second position.
Implementation Method 2
A first bladder is operatively coupled to the contact member and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid. Inflation of the first bladder via the source of pressurized fluid extends the contact member from a first position nearer the seat back frame to a second position further from the seat back frame.
Implementation Method 3
A second bladder is operatively coupled to the contact member and in fluid communication with the source of pressurized fluid. Inflation of the second bladder via the source of pressurized fluid pivots the contact member away from an occupant of the seat.
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatically adjustable seat includes a seat frame having a seat back frame portion and a headrest coupled to the seat back frame portion. The headrest includes a resilient cushion. A drive assembly includes a contact member operatively associated with the resilient cushion. A first bladder is operatively coupled to the contact member and in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid. Inflation of the first bladder via the source of pressurized fluid extends the contact member from a first position nearer the seat back frame to a second position further from the seat back frame. A second bladder is operatively coupled to the contact member and in fluid communication with the source of pressurized fluid. Inflation of the second bladder via the source of pressurized fluid pivots the contact member away from an occupant of the seat.