Shape adapting system and method for a cushion assembly
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsMithra Sankrithi, Sergey Barmichev
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A shape adapting system of a cushion assembly and method of forming a shape adapting system of a cushion assembly include an array of cells that retain a fluid, a fluid exchange sub-system coupled to the cells, wherein the fluid exchange sub-system fluidly connects the cells together, and at least one valve coupled to the fluid exchange sub-system. The valve(s) is configured to move between an open position in which the fluid is able to migrate among the cells to change a shape of the support base, and a closed position in which the shape of the support base is maintained.
Claims22
A shape adapting system of a cushion assembly, the shape adapting system comprising:
- a support base including an array of cells that retain a fluid;
- wherein each of the cells comprises an inflator that allows an individual to manually add additional fluid pressure thereto, wherein the inflator comprises an inlet check valve coupled to a ballast, and an outlet check valve coupled to the ballast opposite from the inlet check valve;
- a fluid exchange sub-system coupled to the cells, wherein the fluid exchange sub-system fluidly connects the cells together;
- at least one valve coupled to the fluid exchange sub-system, wherein the at least one valve is configured to move between an open position in which the fluid is able to migrate among the cells to change a shape of the support base, and a closed position in which the shape of the support base is maintained;
- and
- an armrest that includes a control directly and operatively coupled to the at least one valve, wherein the control is configured to directly and selectively move the at least one valve between the open position and the closed position.
A method of forming a shape adapting system of a cushion assembly comprising:
- providing a support base including an array of cells that retain a fluid;
- providing each of the cells with an inflator that allows an individual to manually add additional fluid pressure thereto, wherein the inflator comprises an inlet check valve coupled to a ballast, and an outlet check valve coupled to the ballast opposite from the inlet check valve;
- fluidly connecting all of the cells of the support base of the cushion assembly together by coupling a fluid exchange sub-system to the cells;
- coupling at least one valve to the fluid exchange sub-system, wherein the at least one valve is configured to move between an open position in which the fluid is able to migrate among the cells to change a shape of the support base, and a closed position in which the shape of the support base is maintained;
- providing an armrest including a control;
- directly coupling the control to the at least one valve;
- and
- selectively moving the at least one valve, directly by the control, between the open position and the closed position.
A seat assembly comprising:
- a seat cushion;
- a backrest coupled to the seat cushion;
- an armrest coupled to the backrest and the seat cushion, wherein the armrest includes a control;
- and
- a shape adapting system coupled to one or both of the seat cushion or the backrest, wherein the shape adapting system comprises:
- a support base including an array of cells that retain a fluid, wherein each of the cells comprises an inflator that allows an individual to manually add additional fluid pressure thereto, and wherein the inflator comprises an inlet check valve coupled to a ballast, and an outlet check valve coupled to the ballast opposite from the inlet check valve;
- a fluid exchange sub-system coupled to the cells, wherein the fluid exchange sub-system fluidly connects all of the cells of the support base together;
- at least one valve coupled to the fluid exchange sub-system, wherein the at least one valve is configured to move between an open position in which the fluid is able to migrate among the cells to change a shape of the support base, and a closed position in which the shape of the support base is maintained;
- and
- the control directly and operatively coupled to the at least one valve, wherein the control is configured to directly and selectively move the at least one valve between the open position and the closed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.