Convertible Juvenile Vehicle Seat Strap Passage Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing convertible juvenile vehicle seats require complex and error-prone installation processes for both forward- and rear-facing positions due to different strap systems and unclear strap passage locations, which can lead to incorrect fastening and safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat design featuring a base and armchair with strategically positioned strap passages and indicators on the seat back, allowing the chest strap to circulate through all passages in both positions, and a single ventral strap passage on the base for simplified installation, ensuring correct usage of safety belts in both configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate strap systems are used for forward- and rear-facing positions, then the seat can be adapted to different positions, but the installation process becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to forward- and rear-facing positionsVSAvoidcomplexity of installation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single strap passage system that serves both forward-facing and rear-facing positions. The seat back includes strap passages that can accommodate the chest strap in either orientation, eliminating the need for separate strap systems for each position. This multi-functional design simplifies the installation process while maintaining adaptability to different seating orientations.

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

2Reliability

If multiple strap passages are provided for different positions, then the seat can be properly fastened in both orientations, but it becomes unclear which passages to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrect fastening in both positionsVSAvoidclarity of strap passage usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs visual indicators (such as colored markings or symbols) near the strap passages to clearly indicate which passages should be used for forward-facing versus rear-facing positions. This visual guidance system helps users quickly identify the correct passages without confusion, improving ease of operation while ensuring reliable and correct fastening in both orientations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Strength

If the seat back structure is reinforced to support the head weight in rear-facing position, then the neck and back are protected, but the overall weight of the seat increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport capability for child's head weightVSAvoidweight of the vehicle seat
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by reinforcing only the specific areas of the seat back that need to support the child's head weight in rear-facing position, rather than uniformly strengthening the entire seat structure. This localized reinforcement approach provides the necessary strength and protection while minimizing the overall weight increase of the seat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8714644B2Convertible juvenile vehicle seat
Publication Date: 2014.05.06 DOREL JUVENILE GROUP INC
  • US8714644B2 patent drawing
  • US8714644B2 patent drawing
  • US8714644B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle seat for children includes a base and an armchair. The armchair includes a seat and a seat back. The seat back has in its upper portion at least one strap passage intended to receive a chest strap of a safety belt of a motor vehicle.