Multi-Chamber Seat Valve Control in Limited Installation Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for seat adjusting devices that can control multiple inflatable chambers with a small number of valves, requiring a compact solution for integration into limited installation spaces while maintaining effective control over seat contour adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A seat adjusting device utilizing a 4/4-way control valve with four ports and positions, allowing independent control of two inflatable chambers, such as lumbar and side support bladders, using solenoids to manage fluid flow and pressure, integrated with a valve module that includes a pressure fluid source and fluid supply/discharge channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple valves are used to control multiple inflatable chambers, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The 4/4-way control valve is designed to control multiple inflatable chambers (lumbar support, side supports, massage units) through a single multi-position valve. The valve has four ports and four positions, allowing it to direct pressurized fluid to different chambers independently, thereby reducing the total number of valves needed while maintaining control precision over multiple chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single 4/4-way control valve component. Instead of using separate valves for each inflatable chamber, the patent combines the control function for multiple chambers into one integrated valve unit, reducing device complexity and installation space while preserving the ability to independently control each chamber.
2Measurement precision
If multiple valves are used to control multiple inflatable chambers, then control precision is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The 4/4-way control valve serves multiple control functions simultaneously, acting as a universal control component for different seat adjustment features (lumbar support, side supports, massage units). This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate valve components needed, thereby minimizing the installation space required in the limited seat structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple individual valves into a single compact 4/4-way control valve assembly. By combining what would traditionally require multiple separate valve installations into one integrated component, the overall installation space is significantly reduced while maintaining the ability to precisely control multiple inflatable chambers.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact valve configuration is used, then installation space is reduced, but control flexibility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The 4/4-way control valve is designed with four distinct positions that provide different fluid flow paths, enabling it to control multiple types of seat adjustment features (lumbar support, side supports, massage units) with a single component. This multi-functionality ensures that control flexibility is maintained despite the compact configuration reducing installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve's four-position design adds a temporal dimension to the control system, allowing sequential or simultaneous activation of different chambers through position transitions. This dimensional expansion of the valve's operational states compensates for the reduced physical space, maintaining control versatility within a compact footprint.
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
This configuration allows for precise control of seat contour adjustments with a reduced number of valves, enhancing flexibility and compactness, enabling efficient inflation and deflation of multiple chambers while minimizing installation space and cost.
Implementation Method 1
using solenoids to manage fluid flow and pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A seat adjusting device comprises a plurality of inflatable chambers (2-5) and a valve module (10). The plurality of inflatable chambers (2-5) includes a first inflatable chamber (2) and a second inflatable chamber (4). The valve module (10) comprises a control valve (11) which is a 4/4-way valve having four ports (41-44) and four positions. A first port of the control valve (11) is in communication with the first inflatable chamber (2) and a second port of the control valve (11) is in communication with the second inflatable chamber (4).