Seat Cushion Fluid Filling Using Throttle Pressure Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for filling and emptying seat cushions with fluid are not cost-effective or simple, and they do not allow for precise control of fluid mass, leading to inefficiencies in installation space and component usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that detect pressure values upstream and downstream of a throttle point to estimate the mass of fluid being filled or emptied, allowing for precise control and efficient operation using either pneumatic or hydraulic systems, with the actuating element potentially forming a structural unit with the throttle point, and using gaseous or liquid fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple and cost-effective design is used for filling and emptying seat cushions, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the precision and reproducibility of fluid mass control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by detecting pressure values upstream and downstream of the throttle point, estimating the fluid mass based on the pressure difference, and using this information to control the actuating element. This feedback mechanism enables precise fluid mass control while maintaining a relatively simple device structure, as the estimation is performed based on readily available pressure measurements rather than requiring complex direct mass measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical or complex electronic mass measurement systems with a pressure-based estimation approach. By using pressure sensors upstream and downstream of the throttle point to infer fluid mass, the system achieves accurate control without requiring complex mechanical balancing mechanisms or sophisticated electronic mass flow meters, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple seat cushions are implemented per seat, then the fluid management flexibility is improved, but the number of components and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the fluid management system with universal components that can serve multiple seat cushions. The actuating element and throttle point configuration allows a single set of components to control fluid flow to multiple seat cushions, enabling flexible fluid distribution across different cushions without requiring separate dedicated components for each cushion. This multi-functional approach maintains adaptability while minimizing the total number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the actuating element and throttle point into a combined structural unit or closely integrated assembly. This merging reduces the total number of separate components that would otherwise be required for each seat cushion, thereby reducing installation space and component count while maintaining the flexibility to manage fluid distribution across multiple cushions through coordinated control.
3Ease of operation
If pneumatic or hydraulic systems are used for filling and emptying seat cushions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the installation space for components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic systems to fill and empty seat cushions, providing easy and controlled operation through fluid pressure. The system employs a throttle point to regulate fluid flow and actuating elements to control the filling and emptying processes, enabling simple operator interaction while maintaining compact component layout. The fluid-based actuation mechanism allows for smooth, controlled motion without requiring complex mechanical linkages that would increase installation space.
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 approach enables precise filling and emptying of seat cushions, reduces the number of components needed, minimizes installation space, and allows for easy handling of fluid systems, achieving accurate and reproducible fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure value which is determined upstream of a throttle point through which the fluid flows and a second pressure value which is determined downstream of the throttle point
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to a corresponding device for filling at least one seat cushion of a seat with, and emptying same of, a fluid, in which, during a filling or emptying operation, depending on a switching state of an actuating member designed for filling or emptying the at least one seat cushion, a first pressure value determined upstream of a throttle point through which the fluid flows, and a second pressure value determined downstream of the throttle point, are detected, and, depending on the first pressure value and the second pressure value, an estimated value of a mass of fluid supplied to or removed from the at least one seat cushion is determined.