Seat Bolster Assembly With Multi-Axis Adjustable Side Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat bolster systems lack the ability to provide adjustable and customizable support for a wide range of seat occupants, leading to discomfort due to inadequate adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A bolster assembly featuring a moveable paddle coupled to a bracket, which rotates in three orthogonal planes, driven by a worm gear and motor system, allowing for adjustable side bolster support and accommodating different occupant sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed bolster system is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different occupant sizes and shapes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The bolster assembly incorporates a movable bracket that can translate along a track and a paddle that can rotate about a pin, transforming the fixed structure into a dynamic one. This allows the bolster to adapt to different occupant sizes and shapes by adjusting its position and orientation, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds movement in multiple dimensions - the bracket translates along the track in one dimension, while the paddle rotates about the pin in another dimension. This multi-dimensional adjustment capability enables the bolster to accommodate various occupant profiles without requiring an overly complex mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If an adjustable bolster system is implemented, then the comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic configuration with the movable bracket and rotatable paddle provides adjustable comfort while maintaining reasonable mechanism complexity. The bracket moves along the track to adjust the bolster position, and the paddle rotates to adjust the support angle, offering ease of operation without excessive mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent components - the bracket movement along the track and the paddle rotation about the pin. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific adjustment function, improving ease of operation while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the paddle is moveably coupled to accommodate multiple positions, then the versatility is improved, but the reliability of the coupling mechanism becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable coupling between the paddle and bracket, enabled by the pin rotation, provides multi-position capability while maintaining reliability through a simple rotational joint. This dynamic coupling allows the paddle to assume multiple positions for versatility while the straightforward pin-rotation mechanism ensures reliable operation without complex failure points.
Data Source
AI summary
A bolster assembly for a seat includes a fixed frame and a housing coupled to the fixed frame. The housing includes a track and a bracket moveable along at least a portion the track between a first position and a second position. A paddle is moveably coupled to the bracket and a drive shaft is configured for rotation about a drive axis. Rotation of the drive shaft about the drive axis moves the bracket between the first position and the second position.