Vehicle Seat Massage Rollers Using Cam Profiles to Limit Discomfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current massage systems in vehicles face challenges in providing sufficient massage pressure without causing discomfort to occupants, as mechanical massage devices can be uncomfortable and pneumatic devices offer insufficient pressure due to high costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A massage system featuring a sliding member with a hollow pillar shape, a housing member, and a drive gear module connected to a drive motor, which applies torque to rotate the members and adjust roller position on a cam profile to apply and release massage pressure, ensuring sufficient pressure and minimizing discomfort by stopping operation when the roller is farthest from the occupant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a mechanical massage device with rollers is mounted on the seat, then sufficient massage pressure can be applied to the occupant's back, but the occupant may feel uncomfortable when sitting on the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The massage device uses a dynamic mechanism where the roller member moves along a cam profile rather than maintaining constant contact. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion into reciprocating linear motion, allowing the roller to apply pressure only during specific phases of the rotation cycle, reducing continuous discomfort while maintaining effective massage pressure when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The massage device operates periodically through the cam profile mechanism. As the cam rotates, the roller member periodically contacts and presses against the occupant's back following the cam profile contour, then releases pressure during other phases of rotation. This periodic application of force provides effective massage while minimizing continuous discomfort to the occupant
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a pneumatic massage device is used to avoid occupant discomfort, then the occupant feels more comfortable, but the massage pressure is not sufficient and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the pneumatic system with a purely mechanical cam-based actuation mechanism. The cam profile geometrically controls the roller's motion and force application, eliminating the need for pneumatic valves, air chambers, and complex pressure control systems while providing sufficient massage pressure through mechanical leverage and controlled contact
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a pneumatic massage device is used to avoid occupant discomfort, then the occupant feels more comfortable, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes complex pneumatic systems with a simple mechanical cam mechanism. The cam profile alone controls the entire massage cycle, replacing multiple pneumatic components (valves, actuators, pressure regulators) with a single rotating cam that provides all necessary motion control through its geometric profile
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is self-regulating and self-contained. The cam profile inherently controls the timing, duration, and force of massage pressure application without requiring external control systems, sensors, or complex electronics. The mechanical geometry itself performs the control function, simplifying the overall device architecture
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 provides effective massage pressure while minimizing occupant discomfort and automatically massaging drivers during drowsy driving, enhancing safety and reducing fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
A cam profile may be formed at a surface of the cam facing toward the sliding member along a circumference direction of the cam, and the roller member may move on the cam profile when the sliding member or the housing member rotates such that the sliding member is moved towards or away from the seated occupant
Implementation Method 2
a drive motor operably connected to the massage unit to provide a torque to the massage unit
Implementation Method 3
The drive gear module may include a drive gear, the drive motor may include a motor shaft formed with a worm, and the drive gear and the worm may be coupled in a way of a worm gear
Implementation Method 4
At least one bearing may be provided at a free end portion of the roller member contactable on the cam profile
Data Source
AI summary
A massage system for a seat of a vehicle includes a drive motor, a sliding member having a hollow pillar shape, a first end of the sliding member being blocked by a plate member and a second end of the sliding member being opened, a housing member having a hollow pillar shape, a first end of the housing member being blocked by a partition and a second end of the housing member being opened, and a drive gear module operably connected to the drive motor, wherein at least one roller member is extended toward the housing member at an edge of the plate member, and at least one cam protruding toward the sliding member is formed at a circumference of the partition, wherein a cam profile is formed at a surface of the cam.