Pneumatic Vehicle Seat Side Wing Adjuster with Spring Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat side wing adjustment systems are slow and require expensive electro-mechanical hardware, with pneumatic systems being limited by balloon device dimensions and prone to leakage, leading to inefficient and insecure adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A lever-actuated adjusting device using a balloon and spring mechanism, where the spring enables quick adjustment independent of pneumatic actuation, and a locking mechanism secures the default position mechanically, reducing reliance on sustained pneumatic pressure and preventing leakage issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pneumatic balloon device is used for side wing adjustment, then adjustment can be achieved without electro-mechanical hardware, but adjustment speed is slow due to limited balloon dimensions and pneumatic filling time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a pneumatic balloon device with a spring mechanism into a hybrid adjustment system. The balloon provides the actuation force while the spring enables rapid movement, merging the advantages of both pneumatic and mechanical systems to achieve quick adjustment without complex electro-mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static pneumatic system to a dynamic hybrid system where the spring can rapidly expand to provide quick adjustment movement. This dynamic element allows the system to respond quickly to adjustment commands without being limited by the slow pneumatic filling process.
2Reliability
If pneumatic balloon device sustains pressure to hold default position, then side wing remains in position, but leakage occurs over time leading to insecure adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position holding function from the pneumatic balloon device and transfers it to a mechanical locking mechanism. The balloon only needs to provide actuation force, while the mechanical lock securely maintains the default position over the long term, eliminating the reliability issues associated with sustained pneumatic pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical locking mechanism automatically engages to secure the default position without requiring continuous pneumatic pressure. The system self-maintains the position through the mechanical lock, which remains engaged until actively released, providing long-term stability without ongoing energy input.
3Speed
If electro-mechanical adjustment means are used, then quick adjustment is achieved, but expensive hardware is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex electro-mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simpler, cheaper hybrid pneumatic-mechanical system. The spring mechanism provides rapid adjustment movement similar to electro-mechanical systems, but without the high cost and complexity of motors, sensors, and control electronics.
4Speed
If balloon device dimensions are increased to improve adjustment speed, then faster adjustment is possible, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the pneumatic balloon and the lever arm. Instead of relying on a large balloon to provide rapid movement directly, the spring stores energy and releases it quickly to drive the adjustment, allowing a compact balloon to achieve fast adjustment response.
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 solution achieves quick and secure side wing adjustments with reduced reaction time and extended system lifespan, eliminating the need for expensive electro-mechanical hardware and minimizing pneumatic component stress, while ensuring long-term secure holding without continuous pressure monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the spring means may be any means for storing energy and exerting a force, i.e. in particular, storing energy by means of deformation, compression or extension/expansion
Implementation Method 2
the balloon device presses to inner lever arm into the default position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a pneumatic adjusting device for adjusting a side wing of a vehicle seat from a default position to an actuation position, the adjusting device comprising: a two-armed lever having an outer lever arm for adjusting the side wing and an inner lever arm, an inflatable balloon device, e.g. balloon, for adjusting the inner for adjusting the arm, and mechanical spring means for adjusting the inner for adjusting the arm.Hereby, it is provided that, in the default position of the adjusting device, the balloon device is inflated, in the default position, the spring means is tensioned and biases the inner lever arm into the actuation position, and in the actuation position, the spring means compresses the balloon.