Polyhedral Vehicle Seat Articulation via Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat articulation assemblies lack efficient mechanisms to transition between compressed and extended conditions while maintaining structural integrity and providing adjustable support, particularly in multi-layered bladder systems.
Innovation Solution
A polyhedral body articulation assembly with foldable portions, elastomeric members, and a fluid translation system, where the polyhedral body is operably coupled to a planar base and manifold, allowing for controlled expansion and contraction via additive manufacturing techniques, and activation by a controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-layered bladders are deployed in vehicle seats, then adjustable support and massage function are provided, but the mechanism for transitioning between compressed and extended conditions becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation assembly is divided into multiple polyhedral bodies, each with foldable portions that can independently transition between compressed and extended conditions. This segmentation allows each unit to function autonomously while contributing to the overall adjustable support system, reducing the complexity of controlling a single large bladder system.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyhedral bodies incorporate foldable portions with crease lines that enable dynamic transitions between compressed and extended states. This dynamic structure allows the articulation assembly to adapt its shape and volume in response to fluid pressure changes, providing versatile support without requiring complex mechanical actuators for each transition.
2Ease of operation
If polyhedral bodies with foldable portions are used, then smooth transition between compressed and extended conditions is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable portions are constructed with flexible materials that allow the crease lines to bend and flex during transitions. This flexibility compensates for minor manufacturing tolerances in crease line alignment, enabling smooth transitions between compressed and extended conditions without requiring extremely precise manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric members are designed to change their physical parameters (such as stiffness and elasticity) in response to fluid pressure and temperature. This parameter change allows the foldable portions to transition smoothly between states, reducing the impact of manufacturing variations on transition smoothness.
3Strength
If elastomeric members are disposed along crease lines, then structural integrity is maintained during expansion and contraction, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric members are integrated directly into the crease lines of the foldable portions, merging the structural reinforcement function with the articulation mechanism. This combination eliminates the need for separate reinforcement components, maintaining structural integrity while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric members serve multiple functions: they reinforce the crease lines to maintain structural integrity, provide flexibility for smooth transitions, and act as seals for fluid distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, balancing structural requirements with device simplicity.
4Ease of manufacture
If additive manufacturing is used to form the polyhedral body, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The additive manufacturing process allows for easy adjustment of geometric parameters such as crease line angles, foldable portion dimensions, and polyhedral body shapes. These parameter changes can be implemented by modifying digital models without requiring new tooling, providing manufacturing flexibility while maintaining geometric accuracy through digital precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyhedral bodies are designed with dynamic foldable portions that can accommodate minor geometric variations from additive manufacturing. The flexibility of the foldable portions compensates for small deviations in crease line alignment or surface flatness, maintaining functional performance despite challenges in achieving perfect geometric accuracy.
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 smooth transition between compressed and extended conditions, providing adjustable support and a massage function, while maintaining structural integrity and enhancing user comfort through controlled fluid distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A manifold is coupled to the planar base and is configured to translate a fluid to the polyhedral body
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of elastomeric members are disposed along the crease lines defined by each of the plurality of foldable portions
Data Source
AI summary
An articulation assembly for a vehicle seat includes a planar engagement surface. An inflatable member is operably coupled to the planar engagement surface. The inflatable member includes a plurality of polyhedral bodies that are configured to be formed via additive manufacturing. Each of the polyhedral bodies has a foldable portion that defines crease lines. A plurality of elastomeric members are disposed on each crease line. A planar base includes a port fluidly coupled to the polyhedral bodies. A manifold is fluidly coupled to the port of the planar base and is configured to translate fluid through the port to the polyhedral bodies.