Foldable Central Seat for Compact Two-Seater Vehicle Bench
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bench seats with three seats lack the ability to convert quickly and simply into a configuration with two comfortable seats without complex manipulations or tools, limiting flexibility and space optimization in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A bench seat design where the central seat folds against its backrest, allowing side seats to move closer, creating a compact assembly with integrated armrests, and optionally a deployable tablet shelf, enabling a seamless transition from three to two seats without requiring tools or complex handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the central seat is folded against the backrest to create a two-seat configuration, then space utilization and passenger comfort are improved, but the complexity of seat manipulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat base is designed with a folding mechanism that allows it to pivot between a horizontal functional position and a vertical stowed position against the backrest. This dynamic transformation enables the seat to adapt between three-seat and two-seat configurations through simple manual folding actions rather than complex manipulations
Solution Approach 2:
The central seat is divided into separable components: the seat base that can be folded independently, the backrest that remains stationary, and the armrests that can be detached and repositioned. This segmentation allows the folding operation to be simple while the components work together to achieve the configuration transformation
2Ease of operation
If the central seat width is reduced to allow side seats to move closer, then passenger comfort in two-seat mode is improved, but the central seat functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The central seat base transforms from a horizontal load-bearing surface in three-seat mode to a vertical support structure in two-seat mode. By standing the base vertically against the backrest, it maintains structural integrity and provides a surface for the side seats to contact, ensuring both configurations are functional
Solution Approach 2:
The central seat base transitions from occupying horizontal space (affecting side seat movement) to occupying vertical space against the backrest. This dimensional change allows the side seats to move closer horizontally while the folded base provides vertical support contact, resolving the spatial conflict
3Ease of manufacture
If armrests are integrated into the folded central seat structure, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the central seat structural integrity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The armrests are integrated with the folded seat base to form a unified structure. The armrests become part of the folded assembly, eliminating separate mounting operations and simplifying manufacturing while the folded base's vertical orientation provides structural support for the combined assembly
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
The invention relates to a bench (1, 100) having three seats aligned (2, 102, 3, 103, 4, 104), one of which (3, 103) is in a central position and the other two (2, 102, 4, 104) are in a lateral position, each of said seats (2, 102, 3, 103, 4, 104) having a seat (5, 105, 6, 106, 7, 107) and a backrest (8, 108, 9, 109, 10, 110). The main feature of a bench seat (1, 100) according to the invention is that the seat (6, 106) of the central seat (3, 103) is able to fold against the backrest (9, 109) of said seat (3, 103) to form with it a compact assembly, and in that said side seats (2, 102, 4, 104) are then moved closer together until their backrests (8, 108, 10, 110) come into contact with the folded central seat (6, 106), an underside (15) of said central seat (6, 106) being configured to support two armrests (20, 21, 120).