Deformable Foot Support Synchronized with Seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foot support systems in vehicles lack the ability to provide optimal comfort across various seat configurations, as they cannot be finely adjusted to match the changing orientation and position of the seat, leading to suboptimal ergonomics for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A deformable foot support device that synchronizes its movement and deformation with the seat, allowing continuous adjustment of the footrest's position and orientation to match the seat's configuration, using inflatable elements and a control device for user-controlled modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the foot support is provided in fixed discrete positions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different seat configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The foot support device is transformed from a static structure with fixed positions to a dynamic structure that can continuously deform and adjust its shape. The deformable element allows the support surface to change its orientation and position continuously, adapting to any seat configuration while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the foot support by using a deformable element that can alter the shape and orientation of the support surface. This allows the same physical structure to provide multiple positions and orientations without requiring multiple discrete components, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the foot support uses discrete positions, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ergonomics and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The foot support transitions from fixed discrete positions to continuous dynamic adjustment capability. The deformable element enables smooth transitions between positions, allowing fine adjustment of the support surface orientation to match any seat configuration, thereby improving ergonomics while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The single deformable foot support structure serves multiple functions by adapting to various seat configurations through continuous deformation. This universal design replaces multiple discrete support structures, improving both ergonomics across different configurations and ease of manufacture by using a single versatile component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat has multiple configurations, then the adaptability of the seating system is improved, but the coordination with foot support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives information about the seat position and configuration, then automatically adjusts the deformable element to coordinate the foot support with the current seat configuration. This feedback mechanism ensures that the foot support remains ergonomically aligned with the seat regardless of how many configurations the seat adopts, resolving the coordination issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot support system automatically adapts to seat configurations through the control device that coordinates the deformable element's shape based on detected seat position. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for manual coordination between seat and foot support adjustments, maintaining optimal ergonomics across all seat configurations.
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
Ensures optimal comfort for occupants by maintaining a tailored footrest orientation and position regardless of the seat's configuration, providing continuous and coordinated deformation to adapt to different seating positions and angles.
Implementation Method 1
the deformable element is an inflatable element
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle having a vehicle body that includes a floor, partially defining the inside of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, a movable seat extending over the floor in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and a foot support device for the occupant of the seat extending over the floor near the seat and defining a surface for receiving the feet. The support device is deformable relative to the body of the vehicle so as to modify at least the orientation of the receiving surface. The deformation of the support device is coupled with the movement of the seat such that the movement of the seat causes a coordinated deformation of the support device.