Vehicle Seatback Thoracic Support Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seatbacks lack adequate adjustment features to provide comfort and support during various vehicle maneuvers, such as acceleration and collision, due to their rigid construction.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly with a pivotally coupled upper thoracic support and an actuatable comfort feature that extends from a retracted to an extended position, allowing for improved support and comfort by moving in conjunction with the seatback's position changes, utilizing a flexible member or bladder that can bow or expand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seatback is designed with rigid construction for safety during acceleration and collision, then safety and structural integrity are improved, but comfort and adjustability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is divided into multiple independent components: a rigid seatback frame for safety, a movable upper thoracic support for positional adjustment, and an actuatable comfort feature for cushioning. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper thoracic support and comfort feature are designed to be dynamic rather than static. The upper thoracic support can pivot between stowed and deployed positions, and the comfort feature can extend or retract based on seatback position, enabling the rigid structure to provide adaptive comfort.
2Strength
If the seatback is designed with rigid construction, then structural integrity is improved, but adjustability features are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback structure is segmented into a rigid frame and movable components. The rigid seatback frame maintains structural integrity while the separate upper thoracic support and comfort feature provide adjustability through pivotal and actuated movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper thoracic support acts as an intermediary between the rigid seatback frame and the comfort feature. It pivots to position the comfort feature appropriately, mediating between the fixed frame and the adjustable cushioning element.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the upper thoracic support moves outward from the seatback frame, then thoracic support is improved, but the gap between support and frame enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The comfort feature serves as an intermediary that fills the gap created when the upper thoracic support pivots outward. It extends to maintain continuous contact with the occupant's thoracic region, bridging the space between the movable support and the fixed seatback frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The comfort feature dynamically adjusts its position in response to the upper thoracic support movement. As the support pivots outward to provide thoracic support, the comfort feature extends to fill the resulting gap, maintaining structural continuity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the actuatable comfort feature extends outward, then comfort cushioning is improved, but protrusion in upright position is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The comfort feature is designed to be dynamic, extending only when needed. It remains retracted during upright positioning to avoid protrusion discomfort, and extends when the upper thoracic support is deployed to provide cushioning during reclined positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The comfort feature operates periodically based on seatback position changes. It extends during reclined positions when thoracic support is needed and retracts during upright positions, creating a periodic action that adapts to the occupant's posture.
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
Enhances occupant comfort by providing adjustable support and cushioning during reclined positions while avoiding protrusions in upright positions, addressing the rigidity and lack of adjustment in traditional seatbacks.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible member is configured to be generally flat while in the retracted position and generally bowed while in the extended position
Implementation Method 2
the actuatable comfort feature comprises a bladder configured to expand from the retracted position to the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly is provided herein. The vehicle seating assembly includes a seat-base. A seatback is pivotally coupled to the seat-base and includes a seatback frame. An upper thoracic support is operably coupled to the seatback frame. The upper thoracic support is configured to move outward from the seatback frame from a stowed position to a deployed position. An actuatable comfort feature is coupled to the upper thoracic support and is configured to extend outward from the upper thoracic support from a retracted position to an extended position.