Integrated Thin-Seat Lumbar Structure With Motor-Driven Flexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lumbar systems in seating arrangements often fail to provide adequate ergonomic support and comfort for the lower back, particularly in vehicle seats, leading to discomfort and potential back pain during long trips.
Innovation Solution
An integrated lumbar system with a flexible region within a trim carrier, actuated by a motor and connector, which arcs to provide lumbar support by bowing outward when activated, allowing for adjustable support and minimizing seat thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lumbar systems are used in seating arrangements, then lumbar support function is provided, but the seat thickness increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar support system is merged with the seat cushion structure by integrating the flexible region directly into the trim carrier that forms the seat cushion. This eliminates the need for separate lumbar support components and reduces overall seat thickness while maintaining lumbar support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible lumbar region is nested within the trim carrier structure of the seat cushion. The flexible region is positioned inside the cavity formed by the trim carrier, allowing the lumbar support mechanism to be contained within the existing seat structure without increasing external dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lumbar systems are used in seating arrangements, then lumbar support function is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar support system is merged with the seat cushion structure by integrating the flexible region directly into the trim carrier that forms the seat cushion. This eliminates the need for separate lumbar support components and reduces overall seat thickness while maintaining lumbar support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lumbar support mechanism utilizes a flexible region made from flexible material that can bend and deform to provide lumbar support. This flexible membrane approach replaces complex mechanical structures with a simpler flexible element that achieves the same support function through material properties rather than mechanical complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If a flexible region is integrated into the trim carrier, then lumbar support is provided with minimal seat thickness, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trim carrier is divided into rigid portions and a flexible region, allowing each segment to be manufactured and assembled with appropriate tolerances. The flexible region is integrated into the trim carrier structure at specific locations, enabling modular manufacturing that reduces overall precision requirements compared to a fully integrated monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible region's material properties and geometric parameters are optimized to provide lumbar support functionality while accommodating manufacturing tolerances. By adjusting the flexibility, thickness, and dimensions of the flexible region, the design achieves the required performance with realistic manufacturing precision capabilities.
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 system offers enhanced comfort and ergonomic support for the lower back, reducing back pain and accommodating users of varying sizes and shapes, while maintaining a slim seat profile and simplifying manufacturing and installation.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible region includes a base portion integrally connected with the trim carrier and a distal portion. Actuation of the motor draws the connector and consequently the distal portion downward toward the base portion, thereby arcing the flexible region.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat having a trim carrier. A flexible region includes a base portion integrally connected with the trim carrier and a distal portion. A connector includes a first end connected to the distal portion and a second end connected to a motor. Actuation of the motor draws the connector and consequently the distal portion downward toward the base portion, thereby arcing the flexible region.