Foldable Vehicle Seat Mounted to B Pillar

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seats that are mounted on partition walls cannot be installed in vehicles without such partitions, and they obstruct entry and exit when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A foldable vehicle seat is fixed to a B pillar, allowing it to fold parallel to the side surface, minimizing obstruction during entry and exit, and featuring a transparent window for visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the seat is made foldable, then the seat minimizes effects on getting in and out of the vehicle, but the seat structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentry and exit convenienceVSAvoidseat structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seat is divided into multiple segments including the seat cushion, seat back, and mounting mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and positioned, enabling the foldable function while maintaining relative structural simplicity through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11390195B2Vehicle seat
Publication Date: 2022.07.19 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US11390195B2 patent drawing
  • US11390195B2 patent drawing
  • US11390195B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle seat is fixed to a B pillar disposed in front of a door provided on a side surface of a vehicle, and constructed to be foldable.