Seat Support Assembly With Single-Actuator Bowden Cable Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat support assemblies require multiple components and mechanisms to achieve symmetric adjustable support in different regions, leading to increased costs and complexity, particularly in accommodating various components within the seat structure.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with a single actuator simultaneously controlling two Bowden cable arrangements to adjust the degree of support in both the lumbar and pelvis regions, utilizing a wire-length control mechanism to manage tension and prevent uncontrolled movement, allowing for symmetric adjustment with fewer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate actuators and adjustment mechanisms are used for each support region, then independent adjustment of support degree and height is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (support degree adjustment and height adjustment) into a single actuator that controls both Bowden cable arrangements simultaneously. This merging of functions reduces the number of components while maintaining independent adjustment capability through coordinated control of the combined actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator serves multiple functions by controlling both the first and second Bowden cable arrangements. It can adjust support degree in different regions and modify height positions, making one component perform the work of what would traditionally require multiple separate actuators.
2Ease of operation
If Bowden cable arrangements are used for adjustment, then symmetric adjustable support is achieved, but uncontrolled movement occurs when tension is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position and tension state of the Bowden cable arrangements and provide feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor cable tension and prevent uncontrolled movement by adjusting actuator commands based on real-time cable state information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical tension-based control with an electronically controlled system that uses sensors and a control unit to manage Bowden cable tension. This substitution of mechanical feedback with electronic sensing and control prevents uncontrolled movement while maintaining symmetric adjustment capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
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AI summary
A support assembly having a first support region with adjustable degree of support and a second support region with adjustable degree of support for use in a seat structure is provided. The support assembly comprises a support member for incorporation into a seat frame, a first adjustment arrangement (10a) for adjusting the degree of support in the first support region, and a second adjustment arrangement (10b) for adjusting the degree of support in the second support region. The support assembly further comprises an actuator (20) coupled to the first adjustment arrangement (10a) and to the second adjustment arrangement (10b). By Bowden cables, the actuator being configured to simultaneously act on the first adjustment arrangement (10a) and on the second adjustment arrangement (10b) in opposite directions, and a wire-length control mechanism (60) to avoid problems due to a lack of tension of one of the Bowden cables.