Fluid system for a vehicle seat assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat assemblies with fluid systems lack efficient control over bladder inflation and deflation rates, leading to suboptimal massage and lumbar control functions.
Innovation Solution
The bladder assembly employs a valve system with movable layers and perforations to control fluid flow, allowing for sequential and parallel fluid flow configurations that manage inflation and deflation rates effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple valve system is used in the bladder assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision over inflation and deflation rates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into multiple movable layers (first movable layer, second movable layer) with distinct functions. The first layer controls fluid flow during inflation while the second layer controls fluid flow during deflation, allowing independent optimization of each process without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the valve system are designed with different properties: the first movable layer has apertures optimized for inflation control, while the second movable layer has apertures optimized for deflation control. This local differentiation enables precise control of both processes through a single integrated valve assembly
2Reliability
If fluid flows sequentially through multiple bladders, then the massage function effectiveness is improved, but the inflation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system dynamically switches between controlling sequential fluid flow (for effective massage) and enabling parallel fluid flow (for rapid inflation). The movable layers can be positioned to create different flow paths, allowing the system to adapt its behavior based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between sequential and parallel fluid flow modes. During massage operation, fluid flows sequentially through bladders to create effective massage patterns. During inflation phases, the system switches to parallel flow to minimize inflation time, creating a periodic cycle that optimizes both effectiveness and speed
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
This solution enables precise control over bladder inflation and deflation rates, enhancing the effectiveness of massage and lumbar control functions in seat assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
the first movable layer movable between a first position allowing fluid flow from the inlet passage to the first bladder and a second position preventing fluid flow from the inlet passage to the first bladder when the pressure in the outlet passage is equivalent to or greater than the pressure in the first bladder
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided with a first layer connected to a second layer to form a bladder, with the first layer defining a first aperture therethrough, and one of the first or second layers defining a second aperture therethough. The third layer is connected to the first layer and positioned between the first and second layers within the bladder. The third layer is movable between a first position covering the first aperture, and a second position spaced apart from the first aperture. A seat assembly is also provided.