Adjustable Seat Side Bolster for Easier Vehicle Entry

Solution Overview

Problem

The increased thickness of side bolsters in vehicle seats can obstruct occupants during ingress and egress, as it provides a snug fit but poses an obstacle when entering or exiting the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A seat design featuring an exterior side bolster with an activator that adjusts its height based on the position of the activator within an aperture, allowing the bolster to be lowered when the door is open for easier access and raised when the door is closed for support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the side bolster thickness is increased to provide a snug fit and support, then the support and snug fit are improved, but the ease of ingress and egress deteriorates due to the obstacle created by the thick bolster

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesupportVSAvoidease of ingress and egress

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The side bolster transitions from a static fixed-height structure to a dynamic adjustable-height structure. The activator mechanism allows the exterior side bolster to be raised to a first height for support during door closure and lowered to a second height for easier ingress and egress, making the bolster adaptive to different operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The height parameter of the exterior side bolster is changed based on door position. When the door is closed, the activator is in a first position causing the bolster to be at a first (higher) height for support. When the door is open, the activator is in a second position causing the bolster to be at a second (lower) height for easier access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the side bolster thickness is increased to provide a snug fit, then the snug fit is improved, but the ease of ingress and egress deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesnug fitVSAvoidease of ingress and egress

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The side bolster transitions from a static fixed-height structure to a dynamic adjustable-height structure. The activator mechanism allows the exterior side bolster to be raised to a first height for support during door closure and lowered to a second height for easier ingress and egress, making the bolster adaptive to different operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The height parameter of the exterior side bolster is changed based on door position. When the door is closed, the activator is in a first position causing the bolster to be at a first (higher) height for support. When the door is open, the activator is in a second position causing the bolster to be at a second (lower) height for easier access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the activator is made to adjust the bolster height automatically based on door position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of ingress and egressVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The activator automatically responds to door position changes without requiring separate control systems. The door itself serves as the actuating mechanism - when the door is closed, it positions the activator to raise the bolster; when the door is open, the activator lowers the bolster. This self-service approach eliminates the need for sensors, motors, or complex control electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The activator serves as a simple mechanical intermediary between the door position and the bolster height adjustment. It translates the door's positional state into corresponding bolster height changes through direct mechanical interaction, avoiding the need for complex electronic mediation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 adjustable side bolster enhances occupant access by reducing the height of the bolster when the door is open, while maintaining support when the door is closed, thereby improving both ease of entry and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a spring configured to bias the activator into a disengaged position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12233753B2Seat bolster activator

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A seat having a seating area, an interior side bolster disposed on a first side of the seating area, and an exterior side bolster disposed on a second side of the seating area. The exterior side bolster includes an activator slidably disposed within an aperture of the exterior side bolster. The activator adjusts a height of the exterior side bolster based on a position of the activator within the aperture.