Fold-and-Dive Vehicle Seat Linkage for Full-Flat Reclining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seats with a fold-and-dive function face a significant step issue between the seat cushion and seatback when the seatback is reclined, hindering the full-flat structure and passenger comfort.
Innovation Solution
The seat design includes a back cushion interlocking frame rotatably coupled to the seat cushion and seatback, with a front link that rotates to lift the rear end of the seat cushion upwards when the seatback is reclined, minimizing the step and enabling a full-flat mode, while also being inclined rearwards to prevent the submarine phenomenon in collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seatback is reclined in conventional seats, then the seatback can rotate backwards, but the seat cushion position remains unchanged causing a large step between seat cushion and seatback
Solution Approach 1:
The seat mechanism is divided into independent functional components: the seatback with its own reclining rotation, and the seat cushion with its separate vertical movement controlled by the front link. This segmentation allows the seatback to recline independently while the seat cushion adjusts its position separately to minimize the step gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The front link acts as an intermediary mechanical component that transmits the seatback's reclining motion to the seat cushion, causing the seat cushion to move vertically. This intermediary mechanism coordinates the movement of both seat components to maintain a minimal step between them during reclining operation.
2Device complexity
If the front link is inclined forwards, then the structure is simpler, but the submarine phenomenon occurs during forward collision
Solution Approach 1:
The front link is pre-configured with a rearward inclination angle that counteracts the forward submarining motion that would occur during a collision. This preliminary geometric configuration creates a mechanical constraint that prevents the harmful submarine phenomenon before it can occur during actual collision events.
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
This design reduces or eliminates the step between the seat cushion and seatback, allowing for a more comfortable full-flat structure and enhanced passenger safety by preventing the submarine phenomenon during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a back cushion interlocking frame rotatably coupled at a front end and a rear end thereof to a seat cushion front pipe and a seatback side frame, respectively
Implementation Method 2
a front link rotatably coupled at a front end and a rear end thereof to a front end of the back cushion interlocking frame and a cushion fixing bracket
Implementation Method 3
When the seatback side frame rotates forwards and backwards about the recliner hinge point, the back cushion interlocking frame may be moved in a direction opposite to an upper end of the seatback side frame
Data Source
AI summary
A seat for a vehicle having a fold-and-dive function is proposed. When a seatback is rotated forwards and folded, a seat cushion is moved down, so the fold-and-dive function of the seat is realized. When a full-flat mode is realized by the reclining operation of the seatback, a rear end of the seat cushion is moved up, so a step between the seat cushion and the seatback can be significantly reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, a front link connecting a back cushion interlocking frame and a cushion fixing bracket to perform the fold-and-dive function is installed to have directivity where it is inclined rearwards, thus preventing a submarine phenomenon of the seat in the event of a forward collision.