Seat Air Cushion Pulsation Layout for Low-Latency Massage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air cushion arrangements for seats face challenges in controlling pulsation effectively due to latency and energy inefficiencies in generating and transmitting pressure oscillations, which affect the targeted control of massage functions and comfort.
Innovation Solution
An air cushion arrangement with a non-fluidic connection between the air cushion and a pulsation generator, allowing direct mechanical or electromagnetic transmission of pulsations to the seat surface, reducing energy losses and enhancing control over pulsation frequencies for improved comfort and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a vibration generating device is fluidically connected to the air cushion via air supply lines, then pulsation can be generated in the air cushion, but energy losses occur during transmission and control latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pulsation generation function from the fluidic air supply system and places a pulsation generator directly on the air cushion. This separates the pulsation generation task from the air supply lines, eliminating energy losses and latency associated with fluidic transmission of pressure oscillations.
Solution Approach 2:
The air cushion itself serves as an intermediary between the pulsation generator and the seat surface. The pulsation generator creates pulsations that are transmitted through the air cushion cover directly to the seat surface, using the air cushion as a mechanical mediator rather than requiring fluidic connection lines.
2Measurement precision
If air is moved through air supply lines to generate pulsation, then the massage function can be realized, but a large volume of air must be moved and control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic/mechanical system of moving large volumes of air through lines with a direct electromagnetic or mechanical pulsation generator. This substitution enables precise control of pulsation parameters without the inefficiencies of moving large quantities of air.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from controlling pulsation through air volume and pressure in lines to directly controlling pulsation frequency and amplitude at the air cushion surface. This parameter change enables more precise control in the preferred range of 1-1000 Hz, particularly 5-15 Hz for massage functions.
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
The solution enables precise control of pulsation frequencies between 1 Hz to 1000 Hz, particularly in the 5-15 Hz range, enhancing massage functions and reducing energy consumption, while ensuring reliable transmission of pulsations to the seat surface for improved occupant comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the air cushion and the pulsation generator assigned to the air cushion are configured to generate a pulsation in the direction of a seat surface of the seat
Implementation Method 2
the movable element may be moved electromagnetically or mechanically relative to the pulsation generator body by the oscillation generator
Data Source
AI summary
An air cushion arrangement installable in an interior of a seat having a seat surface may have at least one air cushion and an air supply system for variably supplying the at least one air cushion with air, wherein at least one air cushion is assigned a pulsation generator, the at least one air cushion being non-fluidically connected to the pulsation generator. The air cushion and the pulsation generator are configured to generate a pulsation in a direction of the seat surface of the seat (e.g., if the air cushion arrangement were installed in the interior of the seat). A seat assembly including such an air cushion arrangement is also disclosed.