Dual-Hinge Vehicle Seat Mechanism for Multi-Mode Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats lack the ability to efficiently adjust to various positions, such as full-flat, relaxation, cushion tip-up, full-bed, walk-in, and rear-view modes, which are necessary for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles to accommodate different passenger needs and cargo loading requirements.
Innovation Solution
A seat mechanism utilizing a first hinge shaft to rotate the entire seat and a second hinge shaft to rotate the seatback, with motors and interlocking frames, allowing for multiple position adjustments through controlled rotation and tilting, facilitated by a controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanism is used to adjust the seat into multiple positions, then the seat can achieve various modes (full-flat, relaxation, cushion tip-up, full-bed, walk-in, rear-view), but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat adjustment mechanism is divided into two independent rotation systems: the first hinge shaft rotates the entire seat assembly, and the second hinge shaft rotates only the seatback. This segmentation allows each hinge shaft to perform a specific function, achieving multiple seat modes through simple sequential or combined operations without requiring a complex integrated mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The first hinge shaft serves multiple functions by enabling the entire seat to rotate for different modes (full-flat, walk-in, rear-view), while the second hinge shaft provides additional versatility by independently adjusting the seatback angle. This multi-functionality approach allows a single hinge shaft to handle multiple adjustment scenarios, reducing the need for separate mechanisms for each mode
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate mechanisms are used for seat rotation and seatback rotation, then each function can be optimized, but the overall device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first hinge shaft and second hinge shaft are integrated into a unified seat structure where the first hinge shaft connects the seat cushion support frame to the support bracket, and the second hinge shaft connects the seatback frame to the seat cushion support frame. This merging of rotation functions into a coordinated system allows independent adjustment of the entire seat and seatback while maintaining a compact, unified mechanism rather than separate independent systems
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a seat for a vehicle configured to variously adjust a seat position between, for example, a full-flat mode, a relaxation mode, a cushion tip-up mode, a full-bed mode, a walk-in mode, and a rear-view mode using a first hinge shaft to rotate the entire seat, including a seatback and a seat cushion, and a second hinge shaft to rotate the seatback.