Seat Air Chamber Valve Assembly for Compact Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 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 simplifying assembly by integrating the valve assembly with a pressure fluid source within a pump head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electromagnetically actuable valves are used in the pneumatic circuit for each fluid chamber, then independent pressure control for each fluid chamber is achieved, but the number of components and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single 3/2-way valve is used to control multiple fluid chambers instead of using separate 2/2-way valves for each chamber. The 3/2-way valve can independently control pressure in different chambers through its switching mechanism, reducing the total number of valves while maintaining independent pressure control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single 3/2-way valve. Instead of having separate valves for each fluid chamber, the patent combines the control functions into one valve that can route fluid to different chambers based on its switching position, thereby reducing component count and assembly complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electromagnetically actuable valves are used in the pneumatic circuit, then independent pressure control for each fluid chamber is achieved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single 3/2-way valve, which occupies less space than multiple separate valves. This consolidation reduces the installation space required for the pneumatic circuit while preserving the ability to independently control pressure in each fluid chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3/2-way valve serves multiple functions by controlling different fluid chambers through its switching mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single valve to replace multiple valves, thereby reducing the overall space required for valve installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of components are used in the adjusting device, then independent pressure control for each fluid chamber is achieved, but assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve control functions into a single 3/2-way valve, reducing the total number of components that need to be assembled. This reduction in component count directly lowers assembly costs while maintaining the capability for independent pressure control of each fluid chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
By using a 3/2-way valve that can control multiple fluid chambers, the patent reduces the number of parts required for assembly. Fewer parts mean lower material costs, reduced assembly time, and decreased labor costs, thereby reducing overall assembly costs while preserving independent pressure control functionality.
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 installation space, reduced assembly time, and costs while maintaining independent pressure control for each fluid chamber, allowing for efficient adjustment of seat components like lumbar supports and side bolsters.
Implementation Method 1
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. Inflation and deflation of the first fluid chamber can be controlled by actuating a pressure fluid source and the 3/2-way valve.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
An adjusting device for a seat comprises at least one fluid chamber (2, 3) and a valve assembly (15) in fluid communication with the fluid chamber (2, 3). Each fluid chamber (2, 3) is configured to be installed in the seat (1) to adjust at least a portion of the seat (1) upon inflation or deflation. The at least one fluid chamber (2, 3) comprises a first fluid chamber (2). The valve assembly (15) comprises a check valve (16) and a 3/2-way valve (17). A first port of the 3/2-way valve (17) is in fluid communication with the check valve (16), and a second port of the 3/2-way valve (17) is in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber (2).