Vehicle Seat Fluid Spring Valve for Independent Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat designs with horizontally and vertically movable spring systems face challenges in maintaining different fluid pressures in these systems due to direct fluid connections, leading to undesirable pressure equality between the horizontal and vertical spring systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with a central fluid supply system where the horizontal and vertical spring systems are separated by at least one valve, allowing for independent pressure control and adjustment, using pneumatic systems with non-return valves and pressure measuring means to manage pressure differences based on the weight of the occupant and operational dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the fluid systems of the vertical and horizontal spring systems are directly connected, then the structure is simple and pressure compensation is spontaneous, but the same pressure prevails in both systems which is not always desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid supply system into separate segments by introducing a valve between the vertical and horizontal spring systems. This segmentation allows each spring system to be controlled independently while still receiving fluid from a common source, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and pressure control independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a valve as an intermediary component between the vertical and horizontal spring systems. This intermediary element enables selective connection and disconnection of the fluid paths, allowing independent pressure control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure when the valve is in the open position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a valve is introduced to separate the fluid systems for independent pressure control, then pressure independence is achieved, but the structural arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the fluid distribution into controlled segments using a valve. This allows the system to maintain simplicity in the basic fluid path while adding minimal complexity through the valve mechanism to achieve independent pressure control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection between vertical and horizontal spring systems dynamically controllable through the valve. The valve can transition between open and closed states, allowing the system to adapt its complexity level based on operational requirements - simple when connected, independent when separated.
3Reliability
If the same pressure is maintained in both spring systems through direct connection, then pressure compensation is automatic, but the ability to adapt to different occupant weights is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the valve as an intermediary to selectively enable or disable pressure compensation between the vertical and horizontal spring systems. When the valve is open, automatic pressure compensation occurs for reliability; when closed, independent pressure control enables adaptation to different occupant weights and conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pressure compensation mechanism dynamic by controlling the valve state based on operational requirements. The system can switch between automatic pressure equalization mode (valve open) and independent pressure control mode (valve closed), allowing both reliability and adaptability at different times.
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 separate and independent pressure regulation in the horizontal and vertical spring systems, ensuring optimal comfort and performance by adapting to the weight of the occupant without direct pressure transfer, and allowing for controlled pressure reduction and equalization.
Implementation Method 1
both the horizontal and the vertical spring systems being configured as fluid systems. In said document, air is used as the fluid, so that the fluid systems of the spring systems described therein are operated with compressed air
Implementation Method 2
the fluid system of the horizontal spring system is separated from the fluid system of the vertical spring system by at least one valve
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a horizontally movable seating surface for receiving a person, a retaining means which can be rigidly connected to a vehicle, and a horizontal spring system and a vertical spring system, wherein both the horizontal and vertical spring systems are configured as fluid systems, wherein the fluid systems are supplied by a central fluid supply and the fluid system of the horizontal spring system being separated from the fluid system of the vertical spring system by at least one valve.