Vehicle Seat Air Bladder Deflation for Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat systems require manual adjustment to accommodate access and egress, disrupting customized support settings and limiting ease of ingress and egress.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat system featuring a track assembly, seat height adjustment mechanism, and air bladders that deflate in response to an access signal, moving the seat to a rearward and lower position for improved access, while a controller manages the air bladder inflation and seat positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle seat is positioned for optimized support settings, then comfort and support are improved, but access to and egress from the vehicle interior becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle seat is designed to dynamically change its position between a first position optimized for support and a second position facilitating access. The seat automatically moves along a track assembly in response to an access signal, transitioning from a customized support position to an access-friendly position without requiring manual intervention from the occupant.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when access is needed through an access signal and self-adjusts the seat position without requiring the occupant to manually move the seat. The controller monitors system states and autonomously commands the seat to transition between positions, making the system self-serve the dual needs of support and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle seat is manually maneuvered to provide greater access, then ease of ingress and egress is improved, but customized seat positions and support settings are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically positioning the seat for access before the occupant needs to enter or exit. When an access signal is detected, the seat proactively moves to the second position, preparing the system in advance for the access event without requiring the occupant to manually adjust the seat and potentially lose customized settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment of the seat by the occupant is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. The controller and track assembly form an automated positioning system that substitutes for manual seat manipulation, eliminating the need for the occupant to physically move the seat and thereby preserving customized support settings while still enabling easy access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple system executions are used to control vehicle seat movement and support settings, then desired access and support are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle seat system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same seat structure and positioning mechanism serve both support and access functions. The track assembly and controller work together to provide a unified system that handles both position adjustment and support configuration, reducing the need for separate specialized systems for each function.
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
Facilitates easy entry and exit by automatically reconfiguring the seat to a more accessible position without compromising customized support settings, enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of air bladders disposed in the vehicle seat... The air bladders are configured to deflate to a fully deflated condition... in response to an access signal received by the controller
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a vehicle seat having a seat portion and a seatback. The vehicle seat further includes a plurality of air bladders disposed in the seat portion and a plurality of air bladders disposed in the seatback. The air bladders are configurable between fully inflated condition, fully deflated condition, and plurality of semi-inflated conditions. A controller is configured to control air bladder inflation, wherein the air bladders deflate to the fully deflated condition in response to an access signal received by the controller. The controller is further configured to control the seat position with regards to vertical and horizontal positions to provide greater access to the vehicle interior when entering or exiting the vehicle.