Seat Suspension Multi-Chamber Pneumatic Wave Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat suspensions in vehicles, particularly boats, fail to provide a comfortable ride during wavy conditions due to inadequate absorption of compressive forces from waves, leading to a bumpy experience for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A seat suspension system comprising a compression assembly with two fluid chambers and a piston mechanism, where the first chamber is compressible and the second chamber is at a higher pressure, allowing fluid to flow between them to absorb and distribute the forces of waves, ensuring a comfortable ride by adjusting pressure levels based on occupant weight and riding conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple seat structure is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ride comfort in wavy conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat suspension system is divided into multiple independent fluid chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together, allowing for simpler individual components while achieving complex suspension functionality through their combination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluid pressure systems with multiple chambers connected by fluid conduits to create a suspension mechanism that absorbs wave-induced forces, replacing complex mechanical linkages with simpler pneumatic/hydraulic components that are easier to manufacture
2Device complexity
If a single fluid chamber is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to absorb wave forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system divides the fluid containment into multiple separate chambers (first, second, and third chambers) that can independently manage different aspects of force absorption, with each chamber serving a specific function in the overall wave force mitigation strategy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic pressure equalization between multiple chambers through fluid conduits, allowing the suspension to adaptively respond to varying wave forces by redistributing fluid pressure among chambers based on real-time conditions
3Device complexity
If fixed pressure levels are used in fluid chambers, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different riding conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system employs dynamic pressure adjustment between fluid chambers based on real-time wave conditions and occupant weight, with fluid automatically flowing between chambers through conduits to equalize pressure and maintain optimal suspension performance across varying conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-chamber fluid system automatically adjusts pressure distribution in response to changing loads and wave conditions without external control, with fluid naturally flowing between chambers to balance pressure based on the physics of the system itself
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 system effectively absorbs wave-induced compressive forces, providing a smoother ride by maintaining pressure equilibrium between the chambers, thus reducing the impact on the occupant and enhancing comfort across varying boating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluid chamber that is compressible
Implementation Method 2
a second fluid chamber that is at a higher pressure than the first chamber and a piston that separates a first portion of the second chamber from a second portion of the second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A seat suspension includes a seat support, a base, and a suspension assembly positioned between the seat support and the base. The suspension assembly includes a compressible cushion for containing a gas; and a chamber. The chamber includes a cylindrical hollow member, a front cap at one end of the cylindrical hollow member, an end cap at another end of the cylindrical hollow member, and a piston positioned within the cylindrical hollow member between the front cap and the end cap. The front cap includes an orifice. The orifice provides fluid communication between the cushion and the chamber. When a compressive force causes movement of the seat support portion towards the base, thereby compressing the cushion, the gas from the cushion flows through the orifice into the chamber and directly forces movement of the piston away from the front cap.