Vehicle Seat Lateral Support via Cable-Actuated Deformable Cushion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats with adaptable lateral support require complex and costly mechanical constructions, increasing weight and production costs, while struggling to provide a wide range of adjustment from minimal to maximum lateral support effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design featuring a seat frame with resiliently deformable side wall cushions connected to an actuator via a cable element, allowing the actuator to apply deformation force by tensioning the cable to change the lateral support, enabling a broad range of adjustment from comfortable to sporty settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanical constructions (pivot joints, air cushions, Bowden cables) are used to provide adaptable lateral support, then the range of adjustment and support effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity, weight, and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex mechanical transmission components (pivot joints, Bowden cables, air cushion systems) from the lateral support mechanism. Instead, it uses a directly actuated deformable side wall cushion that can be deformed by a simple actuator, removing unnecessary mechanical intermediaries while maintaining the adaptability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems (air cushions requiring pumps and hoses, Bowden cables requiring complex routing and adjustment mechanisms) with a simplified deformable cushion system actuated directly by an actuator, substituting elaborate mechanical transmissions with a more efficient direct-action mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanical constructions (pivot joints, air cushions, additional frame portions) are used to provide adaptable lateral support, then the lateral support effectiveness is improved, but the weight of the vehicle seat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes heavy mechanical components (metal pivot joints, extensive cable systems, rigid frame portions) and replaces them with a lightweight deformable cushion structure that achieves the same lateral support function through material deformation rather than mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a deformable side wall cushion that functions as a flexible structure, replacing rigid mechanical components with a flexible element that can be deformed to provide lateral support, significantly reducing weight while maintaining support effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanical constructions (multiple components, pivot joints, air cushion systems) are used to provide adaptable lateral support, then the adjustment functionality is improved, but the production costs significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates expensive mechanical components (precision pivot joints, complex cable systems, air cushion assemblies with pumps and reservoirs) leaving only the essential deformable cushion and actuator, dramatically reducing part count and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lateral support function directly into the side wall cushion structure itself, eliminating the need for separate mechanical support components. The cushion both provides support and enables adjustment through deformation, consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated element.
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 simplifies the mechanical construction, reduces weight and production costs, and allows for precise adjustment of lateral support, enhancing both comfort and body control during various driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a cable element which connects the side wall cushion to the actuator in a force-transmitting manner so that the actuator introduces the deformation force by tensioning the cable element directly from the cable element into the side wall cushion
Implementation Method 2
the seat cushion and/or the backrest cushion has at least one laterally arranged, resiliently deformable side wall cushion for the lateral support of a person sitting on the vehicle seat and the actuator is operationally connected to the side wall cushion and is configured to apply a deformation force to the side wall cushion for the resilient deformation thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat having an adaptable lateral support and method of adapting lateral support are provided. The seat has a seat frame on which a seat cushion and/or a backrest cushion and at least one actuator is retained, wherein the seat cushion and/or the backrest cushion has at least one laterally arranged, resiliently deformable side wall cushion for the lateral support of a person sitting on the vehicle seat and the actuator is operationally connected to the side wall cushion and configured to apply a deformation force for the resilient deformation of the side wall cushion. The vehicle seat has a cable element which connects the side wall cushion to the actuator in a force-transmitting manner so that the actuator introduces the deformation force by tensioning the cable element directly from the cable element into the side wall cushion to deform the side wall cushion to change the lateral support.