Vehicle Seat Cushion Pump Layout for Compact Quiet Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumping devices for vehicle seat cushions face challenges in reducing size, weight, and operational noise while maintaining high operational sensitivity and stability, and minimizing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A pumping device design with a clutch assembly inside an outer case and a brake assembly outside, arranged in a line, featuring a connecting drum to transmit power and a friction plate to prevent sudden returns, reducing the number of parts and enhancing concentricity for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the pumping device is made compact to reduce size and volume, then space between seat and car body is optimized, but operational sensitivity and smooth operation become difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly is disposed inside the outer case, creating a nested configuration where the brake assembly surrounds the clutch assembly. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization and reduces the overall volume of the pumping device while maintaining all necessary functional components for smooth and sensitive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake assembly is arranged concentrically around the clutch assembly in a radial dimension, rather than placing components in a linear sequence. This dimensional reorganization reduces the axial length and overall volume of the device while preserving the functional relationships between components.
2Ease of manufacture
If the number of parts is reduced to lower manufacturing cost, then device complexity decreases, but reliability and operational stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly and clutch assembly are integrated into a single compact unit with shared components and common mounting structures. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts and assembly steps, lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability through careful design of the integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer case serves multiple functions: it houses the clutch assembly, provides the concentric structure for the brake assembly, acts as a mounting structure for both assemblies, and serves as the external interface of the pumping device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components.
3Volume of moving object
If the brake assembly is disposed inside the clutch assembly to reduce size, then volume decreases, but concentricity and smooth operation become difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly is disposed concentrically around the clutch assembly in a nested configuration. This arrangement naturally maintains concentricity because the brake assembly's inner diameter is designed to match the clutch assembly's outer diameter, creating a coaxial relationship that ensures smooth operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric arrangement of the brake assembly around the clutch assembly creates a balanced, symmetric structure where forces are evenly distributed. This equipotential configuration minimizes radial runout and vibration, ensuring smooth operation while maintaining compact volume.
4Device complexity
If components are arranged in a line to simplify structure, then device complexity decreases, but volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging the brake assembly and clutch assembly in a linear sequence along one axis, the design transitions to a radial/concentric arrangement in two dimensions. The brake assembly surrounds the clutch assembly, creating a compact circular footprint that reduces overall volume while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric nesting of the brake assembly around the clutch assembly eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and connection components that would be required for linear arrangement. This nested configuration simplifies the overall structure by integrating multiple functions into a unified compact design.
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 design reduces the overall size, weight, and manufacturing cost, improves durability and performance, and enhances operational sensitivity by preventing sudden torque-induced movements, resulting in a compact and quiet operation.
Implementation Method 1
additionally providing a friction plate between a connecting drum and a brake drum to increase a friction force between the connecting drum and the brake drum
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pumping device for a seat cushion of a vehicle, in which a brake assembly 40 is disposed outside a clutch assembly 30 and parts are arranged in a line, such that it is possible to reduce the entire size, volume, and weight, thereby reducing cost. Further, because it is possible to prevent pollution of parts, it is possible to improve the durability, performance, and quality. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce operational noise and improve operational sensitivity.