Eccentric Pivot Vehicle Seat Avoiding Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats with pivoting movement about a vertical axis face interference issues with the environment, such as doors and center consoles, and lack sufficient mechanical strength for safety and impact resistance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design featuring a base connected to the floor via longitudinal rails, a support frame rotating on a pivot joint with three curved slide connections, and a motorization device that allows for eccentric rotation, providing stability and clearance for the central space while enabling comfortable seat adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a substantially centered axis of rotation is used for pivoting movement, then the pivoting function is achieved, but mechanical interference with the environment (door or center console) occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the pivot joint axis Z1 in an eccentric location relative to the central area of the seating portion frame. Specifically, the pivot axis is located toward the rear of the seat base, creating an asymmetric distribution of the pivoting mechanism. This asymmetric positioning allows the seat to achieve pivoting movement while avoiding mechanical interference with the door or center console, as the rotation occurs around a point that does not conflict with these environmental components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pivoting solutions are used, then the pivoting function is provided, but mechanical strength for impact resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curvature through the use of three curved slide connections that guide the support frame during pivoting movement. These curved guides follow a predefined circular arc path, ensuring that the support frame rotates smoothly around the eccentric pivot axis Z1. The curved geometry of the slide connections distributes mechanical stresses more effectively during impact events compared to straight-line guides, while maintaining the required pivoting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection between the base and support frame into multiple independent elements: one pivot joint and three curved slide connections. This segmentation creates a statically indeterminate (hyperstatic) structure that can withstand significant stress without deformation or detachment. By dividing the connection system into multiple load-bearing paths, the overall mechanical strength and impact resistance are enhanced while preserving the pivoting capability.
3Strength
If a pivot joint with multiple curved slide connections is used, then mechanical strength and stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pivoting function and the guiding function into a unified connection system. The pivot joint axis Z1 and the three curved slide connections work together as an integrated mechanism, where the curved guides naturally constrain the motion to follow the desired circular arc path while the pivot joint provides the rotational capability. This merging eliminates the need for separate pivoting and guiding mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity despite the presence of multiple connection elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat having a pivoting function about a vertical axis (Z1). The seat includes a base configured for connection to the floor (PL) of the vehicle via longitudinal rails, a support frame mounted so as to rotate on the base by means of a pivot joint (JP) of axis Z1 and three curved slide connections (G1,G2,G3), a seating portion frame connected to the support frame directly or via a raising mechanism, and a motorization device interposed between the base and the support frame and configured to cause rotational movement of the support frame relative to the base. The axis Z1 of the pivot joint is eccentric with respect to a central area of the seating portion frame.