Vehicle Seat Valve Assembly for Compact Comfort Fluid Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat assemblies lack integrated systems for efficient ventilation, massaging, and temperature control, which can enhance occupant comfort and convenience.

Innovation Solution

The development of vehicle seat assemblies incorporating fluid assemblies for ventilation and massaging, trim assemblies for improved comfort, and temperature control systems, along with integrated valve assemblies to manage fluid flow, providing a comprehensive solution for enhanced occupant experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If integrated fluid assemblies are added to provide ventilation and massaging functions, then occupant comfort is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupant comfortVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines ventilation channels, massaging bladders, heating elements, and cooling channels into a single integrated fluid assembly that is injected directly into the seat cushion foam. This merging of multiple comfort functions into one component provides ventilation, massaging, heating, and cooling capabilities while reducing the number of separate systems needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ventilation through channels, massaging through expandable bladders, heating through fluid circulation, and cooling through cold fluid circulation. This multi-functional design delivers comprehensive occupant comfort support from a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple subassemblies are integrated into the seat cushion, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid assembly is pre-formed with all necessary channels, bladders, and conduits integrated before being injected into the seat cushion foam. This preliminary preparation of the fluid assembly allows for streamlined manufacturing where the pre-assembled unit is simply injected into the cushion, reducing on-site assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes fluid injection and expansion techniques where a fluid assembly is injected into the seat cushion foam, and bladders within the assembly are inflated with fluid to create massaging effects. This hydraulic/pneumatic approach enables complex functionality to be achieved through fluid dynamics rather than complex mechanical assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Manufacturing precision

If valve assemblies are integrated to control fluid flow, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly is nested within the fluid assembly structure, with valves integrated into the fluid pathways. This nesting approach allows precise fluid flow control to be achieved within the existing fluid assembly architecture without adding external control mechanisms, thereby maintaining a compact integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve assembly includes sensors and control mechanisms that monitor fluid flow, pressure, and bladder expansion, providing feedback to adjust fluid distribution in real-time. This feedback system enables precise control of ventilation and massaging functions while automatically adapting to occupant needs and position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 integrated systems provide improved ventilation, massage functionality, and temperature control, enhancing occupant comfort and convenience in vehicle seats.

Implementation Method 1

the fluid assembly includes a first channel extending through the foam from a first surface of the foam to a second surface of the foam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

the massaging bladder is disposed within the foam and is configured to provide massaging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExpansion and contraction:

Implementation Method 3

temperature control/transfer assemblies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20260037010A1Vehicle seat assembly and subassemblies thereof

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 LEAR CORP

AI summary

Seat assemblies and subassemblies to fluidly actuate seat actuators, such as massage bladders are disclosed. The subassemblies include various valve assemblies to maximize output function while minimizing component quantity and optimizing valve assembly compactness. The valve assemblies provide dual sided linear valves, gate valve matrices, valve output multiplication by shared actuation, fluid circuit control logic to multiplex valve output, and/or three position valves.