Seat Massage Bladder Layout for Occupant-Size Adaptive Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional massage systems in vehicular seats lack customization and efficiency in accommodating different occupant sizes and providing targeted massage support, often wasting energy on non-contact bladders and failing to address specific pressure points.
Innovation Solution
A fluid system with a controller and sensor network that adjusts the inflation of a grid-patterned bladder system based on occupant dimensions, using valve actuators to customize massage protocols and direct support to areas of need, optimizing energy use and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fluid massage system is used with all bladders connected to a common fluid source, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot customize massage for different occupant sizes and wastes energy on non-contact bladders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bladder system into multiple groups (first group, second group, third group) with separate fluid connections. Each group can be independently controlled by its own fluid source, allowing selective activation of bladders based on occupant size and position. This segmentation enables customization while managing complexity through modular control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which bladders are activated based on detected occupant characteristics. The controller selectively engages specific fluid sources and corresponding bladder groups based on real-time sensor data, transforming the static all-or-nothing bladder activation into a dynamic, adaptive system that responds to varying occupant needs.
2Loss of energy
If all bladders are activated in a conventional system, then complete coverage is provided, but energy is wasted on bladders not in contact with the occupant
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect occupant presence, size, and position, providing feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller selectively activates only the bladders that are actually in contact with or near the occupant, eliminating energy waste on non-contact bladders while maintaining reliable massage coverage through intelligent selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different bladder groups are activated based on local occupant characteristics detected by sensors. The system applies massage pressure locally to specific regions where occupants are actually present, rather than uniformly activating all bladders. This local quality approach ensures energy efficiency while maintaining effective coverage of relevant areas.
3Ease of operation
If a single fluid source is used for all bladders, then the fluid system is simple, but targeted massage to specific pressure points cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid system is segmented into multiple independent fluid sources, each connected to specific bladder groups. This segmentation allows the controller to selectively activate particular fluid sources to target specific pressure points and body regions, enabling precise massage control while managing complexity through modular architecture where each fluid source operates semi-independently.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the bladder system operates without selective activation, then the system is easy to control, but it cannot provide customized massage protocols for different occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, uniform bladder activation to dynamic, selective activation based on real-time sensor feedback. The controller automatically adjusts which bladder groups are activated and to what extent, providing customized massage protocols for different occupant sizes and positions without requiring complex manual configuration, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability.
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 system provides a customizable and energy-efficient massage tailored to individual occupant dimensions, reducing waste by only activating bladders in contact with the occupant and targeting pressure points for enhanced comfort and support.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid system with a controller and sensor network that adjusts the inflation of a grid-patterned bladder system
Implementation Method 2
A fluid system with a controller and sensor network that adjusts the inflation of a grid-patterned bladder system based on occupant dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
A massaging assembly for a seat such as a vehicle seat is disclosed. The massaging assembly includes a plurality of bladders arranged along one or more dimensions of an occupant and are configured to determine one or more dimensions of the occupant. For example, a controller cooperates with the plurality of bladders to perform a scan to determine the one or more dimensions. The controller subsequently performs massages via the plurality of bladders based on the one or more occupant dimensions.