Variable-shape seat back for a vehicle seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat back systems fail to effectively accommodate occupants of varying sizes, providing inadequate support and comfort due to limited adjustability and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an upper-back support system with inflatable bladders and an actuator that moves between retracted and fully-extended states to vary the outer contour of the seat back, allowing for adjustable back support and accommodating different occupant sizes through selective inflation and deflation of bladders, which are integrated with a frame and trim for enhanced comfort and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed rigid seat back structure is used, then structural strength is maintained, but adaptability to different occupant sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed rigid seat back into a variable structure that can change its contour and shape. The seat back includes adjustable support surfaces and positioning mechanisms that allow it to adapt to different occupant sizes and preferences, enabling the structure to dynamically reconfigure rather than remaining static
Solution Approach 2:
The seat back is divided into multiple adjustable segments or zones including headrest, upper back support, lower back support, and seat cushion portions. Each segment can be independently adjusted or repositioned to accommodate different body types, allowing the complex adaptability to be achieved through modular components rather than a completely variable structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed seat back contour is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but comfort for varying occupant sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back contour is made dynamic through adjustable mechanisms that allow the outline and support surfaces to be repositioned. This enables a single manufactured unit to provide multiple contour configurations, achieving adaptability without requiring multiple custom-manufactured seat variants for different body types
Solution Approach 2:
The seat back is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple occupant types through adjustment mechanisms. The same physical structure can be configured to accommodate different sizes, preferences, and seating positions, making one manufactured unit perform multiple functions that would otherwise require multiple specialized designs
3Adaptability or versatility
If minimal seat back adjustment mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but support quality for different body types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into distinct functional zones (headrest adjustment, upper back support, lower back support, cushion positioning) that can be controlled independently. This segmentation allows complex support customization to be achieved through multiple simple, localized adjustments rather than one complex global mechanism
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 solution provides improved support and comfort for occupants by dynamically adjusting the seat back contour to suit various sizes, enhancing the overall seating experience by allowing for multiple positions and improved load distribution.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to selectively move between a retracted state and a fully-extended state to vary the outer contour of the seat back
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An occupant support adapted for use in a vehicle includes a seat bottom coupled to a floor of the vehicle and a seat back configured to pivot about a seat-back pivot axis relative to the seat bottom between an upright position and a folded-forward position. The occupant support further includes an upper-back support system configured to support an upper back of an occupant of the occupant support.