Vehicle Seat Pneumatic Valve Layout for Multi-Cell Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic control apparatuses for vehicle seats lack the ability to precisely control air flow to accommodate various user preferences and are limited by the need for multiple valves and complex control circuits, leading to inefficiencies and increased component count.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic control apparatus with a flow path control valve and intake/exhaust control valves, utilizing armatures and elastic members to manage air flow between different cells, allowing for selective intake and exhaust operations with reduced valve count by using a single coil to control multiple cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple valves are used to control intake/exhaust operations for different cells, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and package size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve body is designed with multiple valve cores that can independently control intake and exhaust operations for different cells. This multi-functional design allows one valve to perform the work of multiple separate valves, reducing device complexity while maintaining control precision through independent valve core operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single integrated valve body structure. The valve cores, springs, and sealing elements are combined in one compact unit that can selectively open or close flow paths to different cells, thereby reducing the overall package size and component count while preserving precise control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are adopted for intake/exhaust control, then control functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions are integrated into a single valve body with multiple valve cores, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs through reduced material usage, simplified assembly processes, and decreased assembly time while maintaining full control functionality for multiple cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal valve design allows a single component to perform multiple control functions for different cells, eliminating the need for multiple specialized valves. This multi-functionality reduces the bill of materials and simplifies supply chain management, directly impacting manufacturing cost reduction.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors and control circuits are added to achieve precise air amount control, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system uses self-regulating spring-loaded valve cores that automatically open or close based on pneumatic pressure differentials without requiring external power sources. The elastic deformation of springs and the natural response of elastic members to pressure changes provide automatic control, eliminating the need for powered sensors and control circuits while maintaining precise air amount control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic pressure itself as the control mechanism, where pressure differentials directly actuate the valve cores through elastic members. This pneumatic actuation replaces electrical control systems, reducing power consumption while achieving precise control through the inherent responsiveness of elastic materials to pressure changes.
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 configuration enables precise control of air flow to multiple cells with fewer valves, reducing manufacturing costs and power consumption while maintaining internal pneumatic pressure without additional power when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
elastic members each configured to provide elastic force to a corresponding one of the armatures so as to move the corresponding armature in a direction of shielding a corresponding one of the first valve discharge ports
Implementation Method 2
relatively stronger electromagnetic force than the elastic force of the corresponding one of the elastic members
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a pneumatic control apparatus for a vehicle seat, the pneumatic control apparatus including a case part including a pneumatic flow path forming a supply path for air supplied from a pneumatic supply part and a plurality of nipples, a flow path control valve part including a first valve intake port mounted in the case part and connected to the pneumatic flow path in first and second directions and a pair of first valve discharge ports connected to the first valve intake port and configured to be openable and closable, and intake/exhaust control valve parts each including second valve intake ports and second valve discharge ports, wherein each of the intake/exhaust control valve parts allows the air to be introduced or to be exhausted therefrom in the first direction and the second direction through the second valve discharge ports.