Adjustable Seat Support System with Magnetic Latch

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Solution Overview

Problem

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) pose safety risks due to their high center of gravity, leading to rollover accidents and ejections, and there is a need for affordable, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly 4-wheel transportation solutions.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable seat support system utilizing a parallelogram motion mechanism with a rail and two links, allowing the seat to move in parallelogram or non-parallelogram motion, which lowers the rider's center of gravity and includes a magnetic latch system for easy height adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the seat position is fixed at a high position, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the center of gravity is high leading to rollover accidents and ejections

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidseat adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed seat position into an adjustable one. The seat support system allows the seat to move between multiple height positions (low, intermediate, high) and tilt angles, enabling the center of gravity to be dynamically adjusted based on riding conditions. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the seat to be low for safety during normal operation while providing the option to adjust higher when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the seat position parameters (height and tilt angle) through a mechanical adjustment system. The support structure includes links and rails that enable continuous variation of seat position parameters, allowing optimization of the center of gravity location. This resolves the safety issue by enabling parameter adjustment to achieve a lower center of gravity while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the seat is made adjustable with multiple positions, then safety is improved by lowering center of gravity, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverollover preventionVSAvoidparallelogram mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the parallelogram mechanism to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same mechanical structure enables both height adjustment and tilt angle adjustment of the seat. The links and rails work together to provide coupled motion that achieves both positional and angular adjustment, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and thereby limiting the increase in complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by integrating multiple adjustment functions within a compact mechanical structure. The parallelogram links are arranged to nest within each other, and the adjustment mechanisms are consolidated into a integrated support system. This nested arrangement allows the complex multi-function mechanism to occupy minimal space and maintain structural efficiency, thereby managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If a magnetic latch system is added for easy height adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat height adjustmentVSAvoidlatch system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by using a magnetic latch system that automatically engages and disengages based on proximity. The magnetic force provides automatic locking when the seat reaches a desired position and automatic unlocking when disturbed or intentionally moved. This eliminates the need for manual intervention to engage latches, making the system self-regulating and easy to operate while adding minimal complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements mechanics substitution by replacing traditional mechanical latch mechanisms (requiring keys, levers, or manual engagement) with a magnetic field-based latching system. The magnetic attraction provides the locking force without mechanical contact, simplifying the user interaction to mere proximity or minimal force application. This substitution reduces operational complexity while maintaining secure positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system enhances safety by reducing the likelihood of rollovers and ejections, offers fuel economy over 50 miles per gallon, and provides affordable and environmentally friendly 4-wheel transportation options.

Implementation Method 1

includes a magnetic latch system for easy height adjustment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic latch: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10328822B2Adjustable seat and support system
Publication Date: 2019.06.25 BACHMAN EUGENE EDWARD
  • US10328822B2 patent drawing
  • US10328822B2 patent drawing
  • US10328822B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An improved system to raise and lower a seat by a simplified substantially parallelogram or non-parallelogram motion. By replacing two of the links of a parallelogram seat lift system with an arc, or a straight link as a mechanically defined path for a pivot to follow, space and material can be saved to fit an adjustable seat on an ATV or any type of support system. The system can be useful on many varieties of vehicles and other adjustable supports.