Integrated Seat Control Switch for Vehicle Air Spring Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat elevation control apparatuses for vehicles are complex and require a wide installation space due to separate components like buttons and hook switches, necessitating additional brackets, which complicates installation and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A modularized seat elevation control apparatus integrating a relief valve, button, and hook latch within a single body, allowing for simplified structure, easy installation in narrow spaces, and eliminating the need for a separate bracket, using a balance valve and relief valve to control air pressure in the air spring for seat height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate components (button and hook switch) are independently installed on the upper frame, then the control function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The button and hook switch are merged into a single integrated component where the button body incorporates the hook switch mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate installations and reduces structural complexity while maintaining the control function for exhausting air from the air spring.
2Ease of operation
If separate components are independently installed on the upper frame, then the control function is achieved, but a wide installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The button and hook switch are combined into one compact unit that occupies minimal space on the upper frame. This integrated design allows installation in narrow spaces without requiring the wide area that would be needed for separate component mounting.
3Ease of operation
If separate components are independently installed on the upper frame, then the control function is achieved, but additional brackets are required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated button-hook switch assembly is designed as a single manufacturable unit that can be installed directly onto the upper frame without requiring additional brackets or mounting hardware. This reduces installation complexity and eliminates the need for separate fastening components.
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 efficient and cost-effective seat height control by exhausting compressed air when needed, improving driver comfort by preventing knee impact with the steering wheel and facilitating easy entry and exit, while reducing production costs and installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a relief valve is provided between the balance valve and the air spring and exhausts the compressed air of the air spring
Implementation Method 2
an air spring configured to absorb shocks to the seat
Implementation Method 3
a shock absorber configured to mitigate a vibration amplitude of the air spring
Data Source
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AI summary
A seat elevation control apparatus for a vehicle is provided. A switch configured to control a relief valve, includes a body, one surface of which has a hook latch at one end thereof, and the other surface of which has a spring connection port, an exhaust port, and a pump connection port protruding therefrom, and a button hinged to the other end of one surface of the body and having a hook corresponding to a shape of the hook latch. When the button is pressed down, the hook and the hook latch are coupled to press down on the plunger, and the compressed air in the air spring is exhausted, and when the button is pressed down again, the hook and the hook latch are decoupled to return the plunger to its original position, and the compressed air in the air spring is not exhausted.