Seat Valve Assembly for Independent Air Chamber Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat adjusting devices with inflatable fluid chambers require a large number of components and assembly time due to the need for multiple electromagnetically actuable valves, leading to increased installation space and costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact seat adjusting device utilizing a 3/2-way valve with a check valve, actuated by a solenoid, which allows for inflation and deflation control of a single fluid chamber, reducing the number of components and assembly time by integrating the valve assembly with a pressure fluid source within a housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electromagnetically actuable valves are used to control each inflatable fluid chamber independently, then full independent pressure control is achieved, but installation space and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single multi-position valve assembly. This single valve can route fluid to multiple different fluid chambers independently, eliminating the need for separate valves for each chamber while maintaining full independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-position valve assembly serves multiple functions: it can supply fluid to different chambers, exhaust fluid from different chambers, and maintain pressure in different chambers, all through a single valve mechanism. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of valves and associated componentry are integrated into the seat, then adjustable components can be controlled, but assembly time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is integrated with the pump housing to form a single unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting operations and reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled, directly reducing assembly time and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly can control multiple fluid chambers through a single unit, reducing the overall number of components that need to be installed and assembled, thereby reducing assembly time and costs.
3Reliability
If conventional pneumatic circuits are configured with two valves per fluid chamber, then full pressure control is achieved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple valves into a single multi-position valve assembly that can control multiple fluid chambers. This consolidation significantly reduces the space required for valve installation while maintaining full pressure control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-position valve assembly provides universal control capability for multiple fluid chambers through a single compact unit, reducing the overall installation space required compared to using separate valves for each chamber.
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 enables a compact and efficient seat adjusting device with reduced assembly time and costs, maintaining pressure in the fluid chamber and allowing for multiple degrees of freedom in seat adjustments, such as lumbar support and side bolster adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
A compact seat adjusting device utilizing a 3/2-way valve with a check valve, actuated by a solenoid
Implementation Method 2
The valve assembly comprises a check valve and a 3/2-way valve
Data Source
AI summary
An adjusting device for a seat comprises at least one fluid chamber and a valve assembly in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. Each fluid chamber is configured to be installed in the seat to adjust at least a portion of the seat upon inflation or deflation. The at least one fluid chamber comprises a first fluid chamber. The valve assembly comprises a check valve and a 3/2-way valve. A first port of the 3/2-way valve is in fluid communication with the check valve, and a second port of the 3/2-way valve is in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber.