Vehicle Seat Softness Adjustment via Mechanical Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing softness adjusting devices for vehicle seats are costly due to the use of electronic components and air distribution structures, leading to high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A softness adjusting device comprising a soft inflatable bag with a throttle valve and a one-way check valve, filled with flexible fillers, allowing for adjustable softness by controlling airflow, reducing the need for complex electronic components and lowering manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components and air distribution structures (solenoid valves, air pumps, controllers) are used to adjust seat softness, then the softness adjustment function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex electronic components (solenoid valves, air pumps, controllers) from the air suspension system, retaining only the essential mechanical valve structure. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive electronic control systems while preserving the core softness adjustment functionality through purely mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex electronic components with simple, inexpensive mechanical valves that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The mechanical valve structure uses basic components like springs, diaphragms, and passages that are far cheaper than electronic equivalents, making the system more cost-effective for manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components and air distribution structures are used to adjust seat softness, then the softness adjustment function is achieved, but the maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing electronic components from the system, the patent eliminates the complexity associated with electronic circuitry, sensors, and control units that require specialized diagnostic equipment and trained technicians for maintenance. The purely mechanical valve system can be serviced with basic tools and knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical valve structure is designed to be inherently reliable with no electronic failures possible. The system uses passive mechanical elements that resist wear and corrosion, requiring minimal intervention. The valve automatically responds to pressure changes without needing power supply, control signals, or electronic monitoring, thereby eliminating maintenance related to electronic system failures.
3Ease of operation
If complex air distribution structures are used, then precise softness control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent strips away the complex air distribution network with multiple solenoid valves, controllers, and sensors, retaining only a simple mechanical valve structure. This extraction maintains the essential pressure control function while eliminating the complexity of electronic air management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electronic control system with a purely mechanical valve mechanism that uses pressure differential, spring force, and diaphragm movement to automatically regulate air flow. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electronic controllers, sensors, and complex wiring, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining pressure control capability.
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
Enables the adjustment of seat softness with lower costs and maintenance, providing two distinct seat states (hard and soft) through simple valve control, while maintaining air pressure balance.
Implementation Method 1
The one-way check valve provides a flow direction from outside to inside and is configured to fill the soft inflatable bag with the external air source when the pressure of the external air source is greater than air pressure in a cavity of the soft inflatable bag
Implementation Method 2
The throttle valve is configured to block or communicate a gas in the soft inflatable bag from or with an external air source
Data Source
AI summary
A softness adjusting device for a vehicle seat is arranged under the seat cover of the vehicle seat and includes a soft inflatable bag and a valve component arranged outside the soft inflatable bag. The valve component includes a throttle valve and a one-way check valve. The throttle valve is configured to block or communicate a gas in the soft inflatable bag from or with an external air source. The one-way check valve provides a flow direction from outside to inside and is configured to fill the soft inflatable bag with the external air source when the pressure of the external air source is greater than air pressure in the cavity of the soft inflatable bag. The soft inflatable bag is filled with at least one flexible filler.