Vehicle Seat Support With Spring-Extended Pressure Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seat assemblies lack a mechanism to provide a deformable support surface that can adjust to varying pressure distribution for enhanced comfort, as they typically have fixed cushion and pad configurations that do not adapt to the occupant's needs.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a support system that incorporates a spring element, such as a flexible panel, which can move between extended and retracted positions, altering the seating surface area and pressure distribution by winding and unwinding, and is integrated with a cushion and pad to provide a reactive surface that adjusts to the occupant's weight and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed cushion and pad configuration is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the seat cannot adapt to varying pressure distribution for enhanced comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pad movable relative to the base through a support system with a spring element. The pad can move between extended and retracted positions, allowing the seating surface area to dynamically adjust and adapt to varying pressure distribution and different occupant needs, transforming a static fixed configuration into a dynamic adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the seat assembly into distinct movable components: the pad, cushion, and support system with spring element. This segmentation allows independent movement and adjustment of the pad relative to the base, enabling localized adaptation to pressure distribution without requiring the entire seat structure to be complex or movable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable support system with spring element is introduced, then the seat can provide variable pressure distribution and enhanced comfort, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element in the support system provides self-service by automatically adjusting the pad position between extended and retracted states based on occupant weight and position. The spring element's elastic properties enable automatic adaptation to varying loads without requiring complex control systems, sensors, or power sources, thus achieving variable pressure distribution with minimal added complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pad is made movable relative to the base, then the seating surface area can be adjusted, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring element that functions as a flexible mechanical component enabling pad movement. This flexible element allows the pad to move between extended and retracted positions while maintaining structural integrity, providing adjustable seating surface area through a simple mechanical linkage that is relatively easy to manufacture compared to more complex actuation systems.
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 enhances comfort by providing a variable pressure distribution and adjustable seating surface, improving the overall support and flexibility of the seat, allowing for better accommodation of different occupant sizes and preferences.
Implementation Method 1
a support coupled to the frame comprising a spring element... the spring element may be configured to be wound to move the support toward the retracted position; the spring element may be configured to be unwound to move the support toward the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat assembly may comprise a base comprising a frame, a support comprising a spring element, a cushion and a pad. The cushion and pad may provide a deformable support surface. The support and/or spring element may be configured to move between retracted position and extended position. The support may be configured move between extended position and/or retracted position by movement of the spring element. The support may deflect to support an occupant. The support may be configured to increase seating surface area in movement from retracted position to extended position; the deformable support surface may be configured to provide a pressure distribution by variation of seating surface area. The pad may be supported by the spring element; the spring element may be wound to retract and unwound to extend. The cushion may provide a fulcrum for the support. The support may be configured to support a cushion assembly.