Vehicle Seat Lumbar Cam Mechanism for Adjustable Spine Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lumbar support systems for vehicle seats fail to accommodate the varying sizes and shapes of operators, particularly aging individuals and those with existing back ailments, as they do not provide adequate adjustability to suit different spine curvatures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lumbar support device with a cam element and adjustable shaft mechanism that allows vertical and fore-aft adjustment of the lumbar panel, enabling operators to customize the support by rotating and pivoting the cam element to apply varying pressure on the lumbar region, using a handle to select desired positions and pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed lumbar support is provided, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different spine curvatures of operators with varying sizes and ages
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar support device employs a cam mechanism with an adjustable shaft that allows the support panel to be positioned at multiple vertical locations along the seat back. This dynamic positioning capability enables the support to adapt to different spine curvatures and operator sizes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the vertical position parameter of the lumbar support panel through the cam and shaft mechanism. By adjusting the shaft position, the support can accommodate varying spine curvatures of different operators, achieving adaptability without requiring a completely complex system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanisms are added to accommodate different operators, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed to be manually operable by the operator themselves. The shaft can be positioned and locked at different heights, allowing each operator to independently adjust the lumbar support to their specific needs without requiring assistance or complex electronic controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability allows operators to easily reposition the lumbar support vertically along the seat back. The cam mechanism provides smooth, controlled movement that is easy to operate while maintaining the ability to accommodate different operator sizes and preferences.
3Strength
If the lumbar support is made rigid to provide firm support, then support effectiveness improves, but comfort deteriorates for operators with different back conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar support panel is designed with localized flexibility through its attachment to the cam mechanism. The panel can apply firm support where needed while allowing slight movement and adaptation to the operator's specific back condition. This local quality adjustment resolves the contradiction between firmness and comfort for operators with back ailments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lumbar support device for a vehicle seat permits vertical and fore-aft adjustment of the support or forces exerted on the back of an operator seated on the vehicle seat. The lumbar support device includes a lumbar panel resiliently flexibly attached to the seat frame and/or seat shell to permit fore and aft movement of the lumbar panel relative to the seat back, the lumbar panel arranged to bear against the seat back, and a cam element having a cam surface bearing against the lumbar panel to apply force to the lumbar panel toward the seat back, the cam element supported on the seat frame and/or seat shell for movement relative to the lumbar panel and relative to the seat shell and/or seat frame, the cam element configured to vary the force applied to the seat back based on the movement of the cam element.