Collapsible Cab Seat Nested in a Side Cabinet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for foldable seats are not suitable for use in a driver's cab of a rail vehicle, as they require significant maneuvering space and do not efficiently utilize the limited space, posing a safety risk when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A foldable seat device that can be inserted into a cabinet in the driver's cab, allowing for a space-saving design where the seat can be easily converted between use and parking positions without occupying additional space, using telescopic rails for smooth operation and locking mechanisms for safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable seat device is installed in the driver's cab, then additional seating capacity is provided, but the seat occupies space when folded up and requires maneuvering space for conversion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseating capacityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The foldable seat device is nested within the cabinet structure of the driver's cab. When folded, the seat occupies the cabinet space rather than protruding into the cab interior. The cabinet acts as a receptacle that contains the folded seat, effectively hiding it from the main cab area and minimizing its space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The seat conversion mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional folding motion to a three-dimensional translational movement along a guide rail. The seat moves along the longitudinal axis of the cabinet, allowing it to be positioned in or out of the cab interior without requiring lateral maneuvering space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable seat device is installed in the driver's cab, then additional seating capacity is provided, but the conversion between use and parking positions requires significant maneuvering space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseating capacityVSAvoidconversion ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seat device is divided into separate functional components: a folding seat unit and a translational movement mechanism. The folding action converts the seat from use to intermediate position, while the guide rail mechanism handles the final positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently with minimal space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A guide rail mechanism acts as an intermediary between the folding seat and the cabinet. The guide rail provides a constrained path for the seat's translational movement, eliminating the need for complex maneuvering in three-dimensional space. The intermediary mechanism simplifies the conversion process by providing a predetermined movement path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable seat device is installed in the driver's cab, then additional seating capacity is provided, but the escape route may be obstructed when the seat is not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseating capacityVSAvoidsafety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seat is extracted from the main cab interior and placed within the cabinet when not in use. This separation removes the potential obstacle from the escape route while preserving the seating function when needed. The cabinet serves as a storage compartment that isolates the folded seat from the critical escape path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The seat position is made dynamic rather than static. The seat can be quickly transformed from a deployed state (when seating is needed) to a retracted state (when escape route clearance is prioritized). This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, prioritizing either seating capacity or safety clearance as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2456650B1Trolley car vehicle having an additional collapsible seating arrangement for the operator` s cab
Publication Date: 2013.05.01 BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION GMBH
  • EP2456650B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2456650B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2456650B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

For the space-saving accommodation of an additional seating arrangement (18) in the operator's cab (1) of a trolley car vehicle, it is proposed that the collapsible seating arrangement be insertably arranged in a lateral closet (6) in the operator's cab.