Vehicle Seat Shoulder Support Adjuster with Airbag Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat shoulder support systems do not adequately consider the seated height of occupants, limiting their ability to adjust the shoulder support to fit individual physiques effectively.
Innovation Solution
A shoulder support adjuster system that includes a bending angle adjusting mechanism and a bending position adjusting mechanism within the seatback, allowing for independent adjustment of the shoulder support to fit the occupant's physique by considering their seated height, utilizing airbags for inflation to change the angle and position of the seatback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shoulder support is made fixed or with simple adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different occupant physiques and seated heights is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder support adjustment system is divided into two independent segmentation components: bending angle adjustment and bending position adjustment. This allows the complex adjustment function to be broken down into manageable segments that can be controlled separately, improving adaptability without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoulder support transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, multi-adjustable structure. The seatback can be dynamically adjusted in both bending angle and bending position, allowing real-time adaptation to different occupant physiques and seated heights, thereby significantly improving versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are provided for shoulder support, then the adaptability to occupant physique is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bending angle adjusting mechanism and bending position adjusting mechanism are merged within the integrated shoulder support structure. Both mechanisms work together in a coordinated manner to achieve comprehensive adjustment, providing high adaptability while managing structural complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoulder support system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same structural components serve multiple adjustment purposes. The bending angle and bending position mechanisms share the common goal of adapting the shoulder support to different occupant needs, reducing redundant elements and managing complexity.
3Strength
If the seatback is made rigid for structural strength, then the strength is improved, but the ability to bend midway and adjust to occupant needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is segmented into regions with different rigidity characteristics. The upper portion containing the shoulder support allows bending at intermediate portions, while other structural regions maintain rigidity for overall strength. This segmentation enables both strength and flexibility to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the seatback have different quality characteristics. The shoulder support region is designed with local flexibility to allow bending and adjustment, while the overall seatback structure maintains sufficient strength through strategic reinforcement in non-adjustment areas.
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
Enables optimal positioning of the shoulder support based on the occupant's physique and seated height, improving comfort and reducing adjustment complexity, while enhancing cushioning through airbag inflation.
Implementation Method 1
the bending angle adjusting mechanism has a first airbag to which compressed air is supplied from an air supply source, and the bending position adjusting mechanism has a second airbag to which compressed air is supplied from the air supply source
Data Source
AI summary
A shoulder support adjuster includes a shoulder support, a bending angle adjusting mechanism, and a bending position adjusting mechanism. The bending angle adjusting mechanism and the bending position adjusting mechanism are provided within the shoulder support of a vehicle seat. At the bending angle adjusting mechanism, a bending angle of the seatback is adjusted by inflating an airbag. Further, at the bending position adjusting mechanism, by inflating the airbag and airbags, a flexed position of a shoulder plate is moved downward, and a bending position of the seatback changes downward. The bending position of the seatback is thereby adjusted.