Convertible Vehicle Seating Layout for Flat Luggage Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport vehicles lack modular configurations that can easily convert passenger spaces into large luggage storage spaces, with existing solutions offering low storage volume and inaccessible storage locations.

Innovation Solution

A transport vehicle arrangement featuring movable backrests and a table that transforms from a passenger space configuration to a luggage space configuration, where the backrests and table move between exposed positions to create a flat storage surface, allowing for easy conversion between passenger and luggage modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If passenger space is converted to luggage storage using existing solutions, then storage space is created, but the storage volume is limited and the storage area is difficult to access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidaccessibility of storage area
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest is designed to be movable between a vertical position (for passenger seating) and a horizontal position (for creating accessible storage space). This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to serve dual functions, providing both passenger comfort and large, easily accessible luggage storage without requiring separate fixed compartments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate compartments are used for luggage storage and passenger transport, then functional separation is achieved, but the configuration cannot be adapted to varying luggage needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfigurability of spaceVSAvoidvehicle layout complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest structure serves multiple functions: it provides back support for passengers during seating, and when moved to a horizontal position, it creates a flat storage surface for luggage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated luggage compartments, allowing the vehicle to adapt to varying luggage needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If fixed compartments are used for passenger and luggage spaces, then structural stability is maintained, but conversion between configurations requires vehicle maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of configuration conversion
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest is designed with movable mounting mechanisms that allow it to be easily repositioned between vertical and horizontal orientations without requiring vehicle maintenance or complex structural modifications. This dynamic design maintains structural stability in both configurations while enabling simple, tool-free conversion between passenger and luggage modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4101723B1Arrangement for a transport vehicle convertible between a passenger space and a luggage space, methods for converting such an arrangement and vehicle including such an arrangement
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 SPEEDINNOV
  • EP4101723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4101723B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4101723B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This arrangement is convertible between a passenger space configuration and a baggage space configuration. In the passenger space configuration, the arrangement includes at least one seat (51) comprising a horizontal seat (52) and a backrest (53), which defines a first back support surface (531) for a passenger, and a table (54), comprising at least one tabletop (541). In the baggage space configuration, the arrangement includes a flat storage surface, an upper surface (5411) of the tabletop, and a second surface of the backrest, opposite the first, together forming this surface. Each backrest is movable between a first position, where its first face is exposed and facing the table, and a second position, where its second face is exposed and facing upwards.The table is movable between a high position, where the tabletop is above the seat of each chair, and a low position, where the upper face of its tabletop is flush with the second face of the backrest.