Diagonal Opening-Assist Damper for Saddle-Type Vehicle Seat Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing saddle-type vehicle seat structures restrict the size of the accommodation box due to the placement of dampers, which occupy valuable space and can cause the seat to tilt or create gaps, affecting watertightness and ease of operation.

Innovation Solution

A seat structure with a repulsive member installed near the seat bracket, pivotably connected to a base bracket and the vehicle body, allowing the seat to be lifted by the repulsive force while being compactly accommodated under the seat, reducing exposure and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the damper is located in the middle in the front-rear direction below the seat, then the seat can be opened easily with light upward pressure, but the accommodation box capacity is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat opening operationVSAvoidaccommodation box capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The damper is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement (occupying front-rear space) to a diagonal arrangement extending from the lower rear area forward and upward toward the seat bracket. This spatial reconfiguration allows the damper to fit within the triangular space formed by the seat bracket, vehicle body, and accommodation box, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space rather than blocking linear space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The damper installation is segmented into two separate pivot connection points: one connected to the seat bracket and another connected to the vehicle body. This segmentation allows the damper to be positioned in the lower rear area rather than centrally, freeing up the central space under the seat for the accommodation box while maintaining the damper's functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Weight of moving object

If the repulsive member is installed near the seat bracket, then the overall length and weight of the repulsive member are shortened, but the repulsive member may be exposed when the seat is opened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepulsive member weightVSAvoidappearance when seat is opened
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The repulsive member is positioned diagonally in the lower rear area rather than horizontally in the middle, and its pivot connection to the vehicle body is arranged so that the member remains concealed within the triangular space formed by the seat bracket, vehicle body, and accommodation box even when the seat is in the open position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 sufficient accommodation box capacity, prevents seat tilting, maintains watertightness, and simplifies seat operation by minimizing damper exposure and weight.

Implementation Method 1

a repulsive member that applies a repulsive force to the seat in an opening direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRepulsive force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the seat bracket is pivotably connected to the base bracket, a tip end of the repulsive member is pivotably connected to the seat bracket, and a base end of the repulsive member is pivotably connected to the vehicle body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting motion: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP4640538A1Seat structure of saddle-type vehicle with opening assist damper
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SUZUKI MOTOR CORP
  • EP4640538A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4640538A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4640538A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A seat structure for a saddle-type vehicle in which a seat (16, 80, 100) is connected to a vehicle body, the seat structure includes: an accommodation box (41, 83, 103) installed under the seat; a base bracket (51, 52, 86, 87, 106, 107) attached to an upper part of the vehicle body; a seat bracket (61, 88, 108) attached to a lower part of the seat; and a repulsive member (71, 91, 111) that applies a repulsive force to the seat in an opening direction. The seat bracket is pivotably connected to the base bracket, a tip end (72, 92, 112) of the repulsive member is pivotably connected to the seat bracket, and a base end (73, 93, 113) of the repulsive member is pivotably connected to the vehicle body rearward of the base bracket and in front of the accommodation box.