Convertible Seat with Hinged Backrest for Compact Camper Space Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible seating devices for recreational vehicles are bulky, occupying valuable space in compact living compartments, which is a challenge for accommodating additional accessories while ensuring comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A convertible seat device with a modular design featuring a supporting structure, removable cushion elements, and a hinged backrest system that converts from a divan to a seat configuration, allowing for efficient use of space and integration with safety belts, with optional adjustable backrest shapes for enhanced user support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If convertible seating devices are designed to provide comfort and safety during travel and stops, then user comfort and safety are improved, but the overall dimensions and bulk of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is designed to be movable between a horizontal position (for divan configuration during stops) and a vertical position (for seat configuration during travel). This dynamic capability allows the same structure to serve multiple functions, providing comfort during stops while minimizing bulk during travel, thus resolving the contradiction between user comfort and compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be configured as a divan for stops and as a traditional seat for travel. The movable backrest and adjustable cushion elements enable the device to adapt to different usage scenarios, providing both comfort during stops and compact form during travel, thereby addressing the contradiction between comfort/safety and compact dimensions.
2Reliability
If convertible seating devices are designed to ensure comfort during stops, then user comfort is improved, but the device occupies more space in the living compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest can be moved between horizontal and vertical positions, allowing the device to occupy maximum space when needed for comfort (horizontal position during stops) and minimize space occupation when traveling (vertical position). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between providing comfort and minimizing space occupation in the living compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion elements are designed to be removable and reconfigurable, allowing users to adjust the seating arrangement to optimize comfort during stops while minimizing the overall footprint in the living compartment. This segmentation enables flexible space utilization, addressing the contradiction between comfort and space occupation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Convertible seat device (1) for vehicles equipped with a living compartment, such as caravans or campers, comprising a seat support structure (2a) and a fixed support structure (2b), spaced along a direction of travel (Z) to make a space (27), and a backrest group (20) comprising a backrest element (22) rotatable about a hinge axis (Y) orthogonal to the direction of travel (Z). The backrest element (22) has a substantially rectangular shape, with a rear side (26) facing upwards in the lowered configuration and a front side (28) substantially flat, facing in the direction of travel (Z) in the raised configuration.