Vehicle Seat Pneumatic Suspension Air Discharge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic suspension systems in vehicle seats often discharge air unnecessarily when unoccupied, leading to waste and prolonged re-pressurization when the seat is occupied again, as they cannot distinguish between occupied and unoccupied states.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a directional-control valve is pneumatically connected to the suspension system, detecting seat occupancy through the movement of the seat part, and controls the air discharge line to prevent unnecessary air discharge when unoccupied and facilitate quicker re-pressurization when occupied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suspension system discharges air to level the unoccupied seat according to its intrinsic weight, then the seat is positioned correctly for unoccupied state, but air is unnecessarily discharged leading to waste and prolonged re-pressurization time when occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives signals from occupancy detection means (weight sensor, presence sensor, or manual switch) about the actual seat occupancy state and uses this feedback to selectively activate the discharge valve. When occupancy is detected, the valve remains closed; when unoccupied, the valve opens to discharge air. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary air discharge while maintaining correct seat positioning for both occupied and unoccupied states.
2Loss of time
If the suspension system maintains air pressure for quick re-pressurization when occupied, then response time is improved, but the seat may be incorrectly positioned when unoccupied
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the discharge valve state based on real-time occupancy detection. The valve transitions between closed (when occupied) and open (when unoccupied) states, allowing the suspension system to adapt its air pressure management strategy. This dynamic control enables quick re-pressurization when occupied while ensuring correct positioning when unoccupied, resolving the contradiction between response time and positioning accuracy.
3Loss of energy
If a control device with occupancy detection is added to prevent unnecessary air discharge, then air waste is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces occupancy detection means as an intermediary component between the seat and the discharge valve. This intermediary detects the occupancy state and transmits signals to the control device, which then appropriately controls the valve. While this adds components, it provides an intelligent mediation layer that enables the system to distinguish between occupied and unoccupied states, preventing unnecessary air discharge and justifying the increased complexity through significant energy conservation.
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 solution prevents unnecessary air discharge and allows for quicker re-pressurization of the suspension system when the seat is occupied again, reducing air waste and improving the efficiency of the pneumatic suspension system.
Implementation Method 1
the present invention detects whether the seat part is or is not being loaded by weight due to the person sitting thereon on the basis of the movement of the seat part
Implementation Method 2
more air pressure is introduced into an air spring arranged within a base frame below the seat part
Implementation Method 3
at least one air spring and a control device which carries out an automatic level adjustment as a function of the weight loading a seat part
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat having a device for controlling a pneumatic suspension system, by means of which the vehicle seat is spring-mounted relative to a vehicle body part, including at least one directional-control valve which is pneumatically connected to the device for controlling the suspension system and which is arranged in the region of a seat part of the vehicle seat, the seat part being movable relative to a base frame and which is adjustable by a movement of the seat part relative to the base frame.