Vehicle Seat Module Carrier with Integrated Air Duct Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing module carrier arrangements for vehicle seats require a high number of components for mounting functional components like fluid actuators, valve blocks, and hoses, leading to complex installations.
Innovation Solution
The module carrier arrangement integrates air ducts or air duct portions into the carrier material, reducing the need for separate hoses by using a cover to close open longitudinal sides, thus simplifying the assembly and reducing the overall number of components required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate hoses and conduits are used for fluid transport in module carrier arrangements, then flexibility in routing is improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air duct functionality directly into the module carrier structure by integrating air duct portions with open longitudinal sides into the carrier material. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate hose components while maintaining the necessary fluid transport pathways, thereby reducing component count and assembly complexity while preserving routing adaptability through the integrated design.
2Ease of repair
If multiple separate components (hoses, valve blocks, pumps) are attached individually to the module carrier, then ease of replacement and maintenance is improved, but the number of fastenings and components required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air duct functionality with the module carrier structure by integrating air duct portions directly into the carrier material. This merging reduces the total number of separate components needed while maintaining the ability to service individual pneumatic components (valve blocks, pumps) by keeping them as detachable modules that can be replaced without replacing the entire carrier structure.
3Quantity of substance
If complete air ducts are integrated into the module carrier, then the number of components is reduced, but manufacturing complexity of the carrier increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air duct system into air duct portions with open longitudinal sides that are integrated into the module carrier material. This segmentation allows the carrier to be manufactured using standard processes while the air duct portions are formed as integral features. The open longitudinal sides enable simple closure with covers or end pieces, avoiding the need for complex fully-enclosed duct manufacturing while still achieving component reduction.
4Ease of manufacture
If air duct portions with open longitudinal sides are used instead of complete air ducts, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but additional components (covers) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of separate air ducts with the module carrier structure by integrating air duct portions into the carrier material itself. The carrier acts as both the structural support and the duct housing, eliminating the need for additional external duct components. Only minimal closing elements are needed at the ends, significantly reducing the total component count compared to using complete separate air ducts.
Data Source
AI summary
A module carrier arrangement for attachment to the seat structure of a motor vehicle seat and for securing pneumatic components or non-pneumatic components has a module carrier with a front side and a rear side opposite the front side. Optionally, the module carrier arrangement has at least one further component, wherein air ducts and/or air duct portions are integrated in the module carrier and/or in the at least one further component.