U.S. patent application number 15/900796 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-13 for shape memory alloy lumbar support system.
The applicant listed for this patent is AMI Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Pradeep Acharya, Mahesh Virupaxi Hosmani, Satya Swaroop Panda, Sreekanth Koti Ananda Rao.
Application Number | 20190176990 15/900796 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64661158 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-13 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190176990 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rao; Sreekanth Koti Ananda ;
et al. |
June 13, 2019 |
SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY LUMBAR SUPPORT SYSTEM
Abstract
A lumbar support system for an aircraft seat includes a
deformable lumbar support basket having a proximate end and a
distal end. The system includes a shape memory alloy tension cable
in communication with the proximate end of the deformable lumbar
support basket, and the distal end of the deformable lumbar support
basket. The shape memory alloy tension cable has a changeable
tension length with an electric current through the cable. The
system also includes a controller operatively connected with the
shape memory alloy tension cable. The controller transmits the
electric current through the shape memory alloy tension cable based
on the user actuation. The electric current causes the shape memory
alloy tension cable to deform the lumbar support basket by tension
force applied to the proximate end of the deformable lumbar support
basket and the distal end of the deformable lumbar support
basket.
Inventors: |
Rao; Sreekanth Koti Ananda;
(Bangalore, IN) ; Hosmani; Mahesh Virupaxi;
(Bangalore, IN) ; Panda; Satya Swaroop;
(Bangalore, IN) ; Acharya; Pradeep; (Bangalore,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AMI Industries, Inc. |
Colorado Springs |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64661158 |
Appl. No.: |
15/900796 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/6671 20150401;
A47C 7/46 20130101; B64D 11/0639 20141201; B64D 11/0647
20141201 |
International
Class: |
B64D 11/06 20060101
B64D011/06; A47C 7/46 20060101 A47C007/46 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 8, 2017 |
IN |
201711044187 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A lumbar support system for an aircraft seat comprising: a
deformable lumbar support basket having a proximate end and a
distal end; a shape memory alloy tension cable in communication
with the proximate end of the deformable lumbar support basket, and
the distal end of the deformable lumbar support basket, wherein the
shape memory alloy tension cable has a changeable tension length
with an electric current through the tension cable; and a
controller operatively connected with the shape memory alloy
tension cable configured to: transmit the electric current through
the shape memory alloy tension cable; wherein the electric current
transmitted through the shape memory alloy tension cable causes the
shape memory alloy tension cable to deform the lumbar support
basket by tension force applied to the proximate end of the
deformable lumbar support basket and the distal end of the
deformable lumbar support basket; wherein the controller transmits
the electric current through the shape memory alloy tension cable
by: receiving an actuation signal from an actuation switch;
determining a user profile associated with the actuation signal;
and transmitting the electric current based on the user profile,
wherein the electric current has a predetermined magnitude
corresponding to a tension length of the shape memory alloy tension
cable.
3. (canceled)
4. A lumbar support system for an aircraft seat comprising: a
deformable lumbar support basket having a proximate end and a
distal end; a shape memory alloy tension cable in communication
with the proximate end of the deformable lumbar support basket, and
the distal end of the deformable lumbar support basket, wherein the
shape memory alloy tension cable has a changeable tension length
with an electric current through the tension cable; and a
controller operatively connected with the shape memory alloy
tension cable configured to: transmit the electric current through
the shape memory alloy tension cable; wherein the electric current
transmitted through the shape memory alloy tension cable causes the
shape memory alloy tension cable to deform the lumbar support
basket by tension force applied to the proximate end of the
deformable lumbar support basket and the distal end of the
deformable lumbar support basket; wherein the shape memory alloy
tension cable comprises a first connecting end and a second
connecting end, wherein the first and second connecting ends both
connect to the proximate end of the deformable lumbar support
basket; wherein the distal end comprises a pin in communication
with the shape memory alloy tension cable such that the electric
current transmitted through the shape memory alloy tension cable
causes the shape memory alloy tension cable to deform the lumbar
support basket with tension force received at the distal end via
the pin and received at the proximate end via the first and second
connecting ends of the tension cable.
5. A lumbar support system for an aircraft seat comprising: a
deformable lumbar support basket having a proximate end and a
distal end; a shape memory alloy tension cable in communication
with the proximate end of the deformable lumbar support basket, and
the distal end of the deformable lumbar support basket, wherein the
shape memory alloy tension cable has a changeable tension length
with an electric current through the tension cable; and a
controller operatively connected with the shape memory alloy
tension cable configured to: transmit the electric current through
the shape memory alloy tension cable; wherein the electric current
transmitted through the shape memory alloy tension cable causes the
shape memory alloy tension cable to deform the lumbar support
basket by tension force applied to the proximate end of the
deformable lumbar support basket and the distal end of the
deformable lumbar support basket; wherein: a first connecting end
of the shape memory alloy tension cable rigidly connects to the
distal end of the deformable lumbar support basket; a second
connecting end of the shape memory alloy tension cable rigidly
connects to the proximate end of the deformable lumbar support
basket; a first pin rigidly connects to the proximate end and is in
communication with the shape memory alloy tension cable; and a
second pin rigidly connects to the distal end and is in
communication with the shape memory alloy tension cable; wherein
the electric current transmitted through the shape memory alloy
tension cable causes the shape memory alloy tension cable to deform
the lumbar support basket with tension force received at the
proximate end via the first pin and via the second connecting end
of the tension cable, and with tension force received at the distal
end via the first connecting end of the shape memory alloy tension
cable and the second pin.
6. The lumbar support system of claim 5 further comprising a third
pin rigidly connects to the distal end and is in communication with
the shape memory alloy tension cable.
7. The lumbar support system of claim 2, wherein the shape memory
alloy tension cable is comprised of nickel titanium.
8. The lumbar support system of claim 2, wherein the electric
current has a magnitude of at least 660 mA and less than or equal
to 4000 mA.
9. An aircraft seat configured with a lumbar support system
comprising the lumbar support system of claim 2.
10.-16. (canceled)
17. A controller for a lumbar support system comprising a
non-transitory computer-readable memory storing program
instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the
processor to: receive an actuation signal; determine, via the
actuation signal, a user profile indicative of a magnitude of
electric current to deform a deformable lumbar support basket; and
transmit, based on the user profile, an electric current through a
shape memory alloy tension cable that has a changeable tension
length with the electric current through the tension cable; wherein
the shape memory alloy tension cable is in communication with a
proximate end of the deformable lumbar support basket, and in
communication with a distal end of the deformable lumbar support
basket, wherein the electric current transmitted through the shape
memory alloy tension cable causes the shape memory alloy tension
cable to deform the lumbar support basket by tension force applied
by the shape memory alloy tension cable to the proximate end of the
deformable lumbar support basket and the distal end of the
deformable lumbar support basket.
18. The controller of claim 17, wherein the shape memory alloy
tension cable is comprised of nickel titanium.
19. The controller of claim 18, wherein the electric current has a
magnitude of at least 660 mA and less than or equal to 4000 mA.
20. An aircraft seat configured with a lumbar support system
comprising the lumbar support system of claim 4.
21. An aircraft seat configured with a lumbar support system
comprising the lumbar support system of claim 5.
Description
FOREIGN PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to Indian Patent
Application No. 201711044187 filed Aug. 12, 2017, the entire
contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Exemplary embodiments pertain to the art of aircraft seating
and more specifically to a shape memory alloy lumbar support system
for an aircraft seat.
[0003] Aircraft seats are designed to support the posture of a user
by supporting, among other things, the lumbar region of the lower
back. Current systems for lumbar support in aircraft seating often
have multiple parts including rack and pinion mechanisms to achieve
buckling of the lumbar basket there by resulting in different
profiles of the lumbar support. Conventional lumbar supports can
include actuation knobs or levers, cable to translate tension or
compression from the actuation mechanism to the lumbar basket, and
other parts in support of these components. All these components
contribute to the increased weight of the seat. Components that are
lightweight as required in an aircraft can be costly to manufacture
and maintain over the life of the aircraft. Moreover,
manually-actuated lumbar support systems do not include controls
that automatically adjust to user preferences with the push of a
button.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0004] Disclosed is a lumbar support system for an aircraft seat.
The lumbar support system includes a deformable lumbar support
basket having a proximate end and a distal end. The system includes
a shape memory alloy tension cable in communication with the
proximate end of the deformable lumbar support basket, and in
communication with the distal end of the deformable lumbar support
basket. The shape memory alloy tension cable has a changeable
tension length when an electric current is transmitted through the
cable. The system includes a controller operatively connected with
the shape memory alloy tension cable. The controller transmits the
electric current through the shape memory alloy tension cable. The
electric current causes the shape memory alloy tension cable to
deform the lumbar support basket by tension force applied to the
proximate end of the deformable lumbar support basket and the
distal end of the deformable lumbar support basket.
[0005] A controller for a lumbar support system is also disclosed.
The controller includes a non-transitory computer-readable memory
storing program instructions that, when executed by a processor,
cause the processor to receive an actuation signal, and determine,
via the actuation signal, a user profile indicative of a magnitude
of electric current to deform a deformable lumbar support basket.
The processor transmits, based on the user profile, an electric
current through a shape memory alloy tension cable that has a
changeable tension length with the electric current through the
cable. The shape memory alloy tension cable is in communication
with a proximate end of the deformable lumbar support basket, and
in communication with a distal end of the deformable lumbar support
basket, where the electric current transmitted through the shape
memory alloy causes the shape memory alloy tension cable to deform
the lumbar support basket by tension force applied by the shape
memory alloy tension cable to the proximate end of the deformable
lumbar support basket and the distal end of the deformable lumbar
support basket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting
in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like
elements are numbered alike:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a shape memory lumbar support system according to
embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a configuration of a shape memory tension cable
and deformable lumbar support basket for the lumbar support system
of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 3 is another configuration of a shape memory tension
cable and deformable lumbar support basket for the lumbar support
system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 4 is another configuration of a shape memory tension
cable and deformable lumbar support basket for the lumbar support
system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 5 is another configuration of a shape memory tension
cable and deformable lumbar support basket for the lumbar support
system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 6 is an aircraft seat configured with the lumbar
support system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment; and
[0013] FIG. 7 is a controller for a lumbar support system according
to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the
disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of
exemplification and not limitation with reference to the
Figures.
[0015] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error
associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon
the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For
example, "about" can include a range of .+-.8% or 5%, or 2% of a
given value.
[0016] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a",
"an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when
used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components,
but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or
groups thereof.
[0017] FIG. 1 depicts a shape memory lumbar support system 100
according, to an embodiment. The lumbar support system 100 includes
a controller 102 operatively connected with a switch 116 for
switching a power source 118. The system includes a deformable
lumbar support basket 103 (hereafter support basket 103), and a
shape memory alloy tension cable 112 (hereafter tension cable 112)
in communication with the support basket 103. The support basket
103 is described herein as having a proximate end 104 and a distal
end 106. The tension cable 112 is in mechanical communication with
proximate end 104 and a distal end 106 such that when a current
passes through the tension cable 112, the tension cable 112
contracts proportionally with the magnitude of current applied
through the tension cable. The tension applied to the proximal end
104 and the distal end 106 of the support basket 103 by the tension
cable 112 causes the support basket 103 to deform longitudinally
114 by forcing the distal end and proximal end to come towards one
another. This deformation of the support basket 103 causes the
basket to bow and form an arc that supports the lumbar portion of a
user's back.
[0018] The tension mechanism of the tension cable 112 is based on a
property of the shape memory alloy from which the cable 112 is
constructed. Shape memory alloy contracts when an electric current,
heat, or other stimulus (depending on the material) is applied to
the cable. The connecting ends 110 and 108 of the tension cable 112
include connecting means such that the current from the power
source 118 can pass through the cable 112 when the switch 116 is
actuated by the controller 102.
[0019] The tension cable 112 is made from shape memory alloy that
changes shape according to an amount of current applied to the
cable. For example, the tension cable 112 may contract by a
predetermined number (n) millimeters per milliamp of current.
Accordingly, a predetermined response is measurable and recordable
in a computer memory such that an individual setting (a magnitude
of current) for achieving a desired amount of deformation of the
support basket 103 is possible. For example, the controller 102 is
configured to receive an actuation signal from the actuation switch
101. The controller 102 then determines a user profile associated
with the actuation signal by correlating a signal characteristic
from the actuation switch to a saved user profile. The electric
current has a predetermined magnitude corresponding to a tension
length of the shape memory alloy tension cable 112. The controller
102 transmits the electric current based on the user profile
associated with the user identification, which is associated with a
magnitude of current to transmit through the tension cable 112 that
produces a corresponding amount of deformation in the basket. By
deforming the basket, the system 100 can support the lumbar portion
of a user's back when the system is installed on an aircraft
seat.
[0020] The tension cable 112 is in communication with the proximate
end 104 and the distal end 106 of the support basket 103 in various
ways, as depicted in the various embodiments of FIG. 2, FIG. 3,
FIG. 4, and FIG. 5. Each embodied configuration is described in
greater detail below. Starting first with FIG. 1, the tension cable
112 is attached to the support basket by two ends of the tension
cable. A first end 110 of the tension cable and a second end 108 of
the tension cable 112 are depicted in FIG. 1 as connected rigidly
to the proximate end 104 and the distal end 106 in either a fixed
fashion via first end of the tension cable 112, or a second end 108
of the tension cable 112, respectively.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a simplified view of the configuration of the
shape memory tension cable 112 for the lumbar support system of
FIG. 1. FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of the proximate end 104 and
the distal end 106 of the support basket 103. The shape memory
alloy tension cable 112 includes a first connecting end 202 and a
second connecting end 204. The first and second connecting ends
202, 204, are rigidly connected with the proximal and distal ends
of the support basket, where the end of the tension cable 112 can
apply force to the support basket 103 directly because the cable
112 is securely fastened to the basket end. Accordingly, tension
force is transmitted to the basket directly through the ends
without any mechanical advantage of one or more pins (as shown in
FIGS. 3-5). In FIG. 2, the first connecting end 202 rigidly
connects to the proximate end 104 of the deformable lumbar support
basket 103, and the second connecting end 204 rigidly connects to
the distal end 106 of the deformable lumbar support basket 103.
With the configuration of FIG. 2, when the controller 102 transmits
the electric current from the power source 118 through the shape
memory alloy tension cable 112, the transmission causes the tension
cable 112 to deform the lumbar support basket 103 with tension
force received at the proximate end 104 of the deformable lumbar
support basket 103 via the first connecting end 202 of the tension
cable 112 and with tension force received at the distal end 106 of
the deformable lumbar support basket 103 via the second connecting
end 204 of the tension cable 112.
[0022] FIG. 3 is another configuration of a shape memory tension
cable 112 for the lumbar support system of FIG. 1, according to
another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the shape memory alloy
tension cable 112 includes a first connecting end 206 and a second
connecting end 208. The first and second connecting ends 206, 208
both rigidly connect to the proximate end 104 of the deformable
lumbar support basket 103. The distal end 106 includes a pin 210 in
communication with the shape memory alloy tension cable 112 such
that the electric current transmitted by the controller 102 from
the power source 118 through the shape memory alloy tension cable
112 causes the tension cable 112 to deform the lumbar support
basket 103 with tension force received at the distal end 106 via
the pin and received at the proximate end 104 via the first
connecting end 206 and second connecting end 208 of the tension
cable 112. As shown in FIG. 3, the mechanical advantage of the
tension force applied to the proximate and distal ends 104, 106, of
the lumbar basket 103 results in 2F (two times the force applied in
the configuration of FIG. 2 at the same given current).
[0023] FIG. 4 is another configuration of a shape memory tension
cable 112 for the lumbar support system 100 of FIG. 1 according to
an embodiment. The configuration of FIG. 4 depicts a first
connecting end 202 of the shape memory alloy tension cable 112
rigidly connecting to the distal end 106 of the deformable lumbar
support basket 103. As shown in FIG. 4, a second connecting end 204
of the shape memory alloy tension cable 112 rigidly connects to the
proximate end 104 of the deformable lumbar support basket 103. A
first pin 212 rigidly connects to the proximate end 104 of the
support basket 103, and is in communication with the shape memory
alloy tension cable 112, where the shape memory alloy tension cable
112 loops around the first pin 212 to provide mechanical advantage
to the force applied to the distal and proximate ends. As shown in
FIG. 4, a second pin 218 rigidly connects to the distal end 106 and
is in communication with the shape memory alloy tension cable 112
by providing mechanical advantage to the tension force applied. The
electric current transmitted by the controller 102 from the power
source 118 through the shape memory alloy tension cable 112 causes
the shape memory alloy tension cable 112 to deform the lumbar
support basket 103 with tension force received at the proximate end
104 via the first pin 212 and via the second connecting end 204 of
the tension cable 112. The electric current also causes the
deformation of the lumbar support basket 103 with tension force
received at the distal end 106 via the first connecting end 202 of
the shape memory alloy tension cable 112 and the second pin 218. As
shown in FIG. 4, the force applied by the shape memory alloy
tension cable 112 is three times (3F) the force applied in FIG.
2.
[0024] FIG. 5 is another configuration of a shape memory tension
cable for the lumbar support system of FIG. 1, according to an
embodiment. A first connecting end 202 of the shape memory alloy
tension cable 112 rigidly connects to the proximate end 104 of the
deformable lumbar support basket 103. A second connecting end 204
of the shape memory alloy tension cable 112 rigidly connects to the
proximate end 104 of the deformable lumbar support basket 103. A
first pin 212 rigidly connects to the proximate end 104 and is in
communication with the shape memory alloy tension cable 112. The
tension force is transmitted from the shape memory alloy tension
cable 112 to the first pin 212 as the cable 112 wraps around the
first pin 212 and applies force to the first pin 212 when the shape
memory alloy tension cable 112 tenses. Similarly, a second pin 218
and a third pin 228 rigidly connect to the distal end 106 of the
support basket 103, and is in communication with the shape memory
alloy tension cable 112 as described above with respect to the
first pin 212. The electric current transmitted by the controller
102 from the power source 118 through the shape memory alloy
tension cable 112 causes the tension cable 112 to deform the lumbar
support basket 103 with tension force received at the proximate end
104 via the first pin 212 and via the first connecting end 202 of
the shape memory alloy tension cable 112, the second connecting end
204 of the tension cable 112 and the first pin 212, and with
tension force received at the distal end 106 via the second pin 218
and the third pin 228.
[0025] FIG. 6 is an aircraft seat configured with the lumbar
support system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in
FIG. 6, the lumbar support system 100 as shown in FIG. 1 supports
the lumbar portion of a user's 602 back.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a controller for a lumbar support system according
to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the controller 102 for the
lumbar support system 100 includes a non-transitory
computer-readable memory 702 storing program instructions that,
when executed by a processor 701, cause the processor 701 to
receive an actuation signal, and determine, via the actuation
signal, a user profile 710 indicative of a magnitude of electric
current 708 to deform a deformable lumbar support basket (e.g.,
lumbar support basket 103). As shown in FIG. 7, the memory 702
includes user profile information 710 that associates a magnitude
setting 708 of the current to apply to the shape memory alloy
tension cable 112. A record for each unique user 706 is saved on
the memory 702. The processor 701 transmits, based on the user
profile information 710, an electric current through a shape memory
alloy tension cable 112 that has a changeable tension length with
the electric current through the cable. As described with respect
to FIGS. 1-6, the shape memory alloy tension cable 112 is in
communication with a proximate end of the deformable lumbar support
basket, and in communication with a distal end of the deformable
lumbar support basket (which can vary according to the embodiments
depicted with respect to FIGS. 2-5). The electric current
transmitted through the shape memory alloy tension cable 112 causes
the shape memory alloy tension cable 112 to deform the lumbar
support basket 103 by tension force applied by the shape memory
alloy tension cable 112 to the proximate end 104 of the deformable
lumbar support basket 103 and the distal end 106 of the deformable
lumbar support basket 103.
[0027] While the present disclosure has been described with
reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure
without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it
is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present
disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of
the claims.
* * * * *