Shape memory alloy (sma) actuators for lumbar support and massage

Abstract

A lumbar support structure includes a first lumbar support and a second lumbar support. At least one of the first and second lumbar supports includes at least one actuator having one or more shape memory material members. The at least one actuator is structured and operatively connected to the other one of the first and second lumbar supports so that an activation input provided to the one or more shape memory material members causes the one or more shape memory material members to contract, thereby causing a distance between a portion of the actuator and the other one of the first and second lumbar supports to increase. A seat incorporating an arrangement of the lumbar support structure and a lumbar support system incorporating an arrangement of the lumbar support structure are also described.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.