Lear has filed a patent for a seat assembly that includes a seat frame and a seat support. The assembly features a plurality of linear actuators that provide a localized percussive massage to the seated occupant. The invention aims to enhance comfort and relaxation for individuals using the seat. GlobalData’s report on Lear gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Lear, Battery management systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. Lear's grant share as of September 2023 was 64%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Seat assembly with percussive massage using linear actuators
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230311734A1) describes a seat assembly that incorporates a percussive massage feature for the seated occupant. The seat assembly includes a seat frame and a seat support surface that is supported by the frame to accommodate the occupant. The key feature of the seat assembly is the inclusion of multiple linear actuators that are oriented towards the seat support surface to provide localized percussive massages.
The patent claims specify various configurations for the linear actuators. For example, at least one of the linear actuators can be a pneumatic actuator or a piston. In some embodiments, a spring is used in conjunction with the piston to extend or retract it. Additionally, a hydraulic cylinder can be included to actuate the piston, with a master hydraulic cylinder providing a pressurized source of fluid. A valve is also incorporated to facilitate communication between the hydraulic cylinder and the master hydraulic cylinder.
The seat assembly further includes a compressor to provide pressurized air, a valve assembly to actuate the linear actuators using the pressurized air, and a controller to control the actuation of the linear actuators. The valve assembly can cooperate with the linear actuators to extend or retract them towards or from the seat support surface. It can also allow the pressure from the seated occupant to retract the linear actuators.
In some embodiments, the linear actuators can be solenoids, which are further equipped with a spring to extend or retract a massage member. A controller is provided to control the actuation of the solenoids.
Another configuration of the seat assembly involves the use of a camshaft to provide a localized massage. The camshaft includes cam lobes that increase in outward radial dimension in different rotary directions, allowing for a gradual or more percussive massage depending on the direction of rotation.
Lastly, the patent describes a seat assembly with a guide, massage plates, and massage nodes. Compression on the massage plates flexes them, extending the massage nodes forward to provide a localized massage. Motors and cables are used to control the extension or retraction of the massage plates.
Overall, this patent presents various configurations for a seat assembly that incorporates percussive massage features, providing potential benefits for seated occupants in terms of comfort and relaxation.
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