Deployable Vehicle Ottoman Assembly for Adjustable Leg Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles lack a selectively deployable leg support that enhances occupant comfort, particularly leg comfort, which can reduce the need for unscheduled stops during prolonged journeys.
Innovation Solution
A selectively deployable ottoman for vehicles, comprising a base member with an adjustment axis and an ottoman assembly connected via pivotable members and actuators, allowing the ottoman to transition between stowed, calf support, and footrest configurations, controlled by a motor and actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a selectively deployable ottoman assembly is added to provide leg support, then occupant comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ottoman assembly is nested within the vehicle seat structure, with the first member, second member, and third member arranged in a compact folded configuration when not in use. The assembly stores within the available space of the seat, deploying only when needed to provide leg support, thus adding comfort functionality without permanently increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ottoman assembly employs a dynamic deployable structure with multiple pivotable members that can transition between stowed and deployed configurations. The connector member moves along the adjustment axis to selectively deploy the assembly, allowing the system to adapt its structure based on operational needs, providing comfort only when required while maintaining a compact form when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ottoman assembly is made adjustable along the adjustment axis, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ottoman assembly is divided into multiple segmented members (first member, second member, third member) connected by pivot points, allowing independent adjustment of each segment. The connector member is segmented to move along the adjustment axis in discrete positions, enabling the assembly to adapt to different leg support requirements while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism along the adjustment axis serves multiple functions: it positions the ottoman assembly at different distances from the seat, adjusts the deployment angle, and enables both calf support and footrest configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Enhances occupant comfort by providing adjustable leg support, reducing the need for unscheduled stops during long trips.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring arranged about one of the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
the first deployment member comprises a first linear actuator including a first housing and a first piston that is selectively extendable from the first housing and the second deployment member comprises a second linear actuator including a second housing and a second piston that is selectively extendable from the second housing
Data Source
AI summary
A selectively deployable ottoman includes a base member including an adjustment axis and an ottoman assembly connected to the base member. The ottoman assembly includes a first member having a first end and a second end. The first end being connected to the base member. A second member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion being pivotally connected to the second end of the first member. A third member includes a first end section and a second end section. The first end section is pivotally connected to the second end portion of the second member. A connector member operatively connects the first end of the first member to the base member. The connector member being shiftable along the adjustment axis of the base member to selectively deploy the ottoman assembly.