Foldable Middle Vehicle Seat Stowage in Cargo Floor Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with multiple rows of seating lack flexibility in configuring the second row to accommodate varying numbers of passengers efficiently, as existing seat configurations do not allow for easy removal and stowage of middle seats to maximize space when fewer passengers are present.
Innovation Solution
A removable and stowable middle seat system that folds into a dedicated storage space behind the third row, using a retainer with a floor recess, stepped ledges, and an upper flange to secure the seat, which can be easily installed or removed as needed, providing a flat storage surface when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the second row is configured as a bench seat to accommodate three passengers, then the maximum seating capacity is improved, but the space and comfort for passengers is reduced when fewer passengers are present
Solution Approach 1:
The second row bench seat is divided into three separate seat modules (left seat, middle seat, right seat) that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the seating configuration to be adjusted from three seats to one or two seats by removing the middle seat, providing flexibility between maximum capacity and space comfort without requiring a complete reconfiguration of the entire bench seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat configuration transitions from a static bench seat to a dynamic configuration where the middle seat can be easily removed and stowed. The retainer system with ledges and body anchors enables quick transformation between different seating arrangements, allowing the vehicle to adapt to varying passenger needs without complex mechanical adjustments.
2Ease of operation
If the middle seat is removed to create additional space, then the space and comfort for passengers is improved, but the complexity of seat configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is pre-installed in the cargo area with ledges and body anchors positioned to automatically receive and secure the middle seat when stowed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly procedures, as the middle seat simply needs to be folded and placed into the pre-configured retainer structure, reducing the perceived complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The middle seat is extracted as a separate, removable component from the second row seating system. This extraction simplifies the configuration process by allowing the middle seat to be independently removed and stowed in the cargo area, rather than requiring adjustment of the entire bench seat assembly. The separation reduces the complexity of configuration changes.
3Reliability
If a retainer structure is added to secure the folded seat in the cargo area, then the reliability of seat stowage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer structure is merged with the existing cargo area floor and walls of the vehicle. The ledges utilize the cargo area boundaries, and the body anchors are integrated into the vehicle structure rather than being separate components. This merging reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining reliable seat stowage.
Solution Approach 2:
The middle seat is designed to fold into a compact configuration that nests within the retainer structure. The seat cushion and back fold together to fit within the space defined by the ledges, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization and secures the seat without requiring additional external restraint mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable and stowable vehicle seat system includes a seat that can be folded into a compact form factor and a retainer provided in a cargo area of the vehicle to receive and retain the folded seat. The retainer is sized and shaped to receive the folded seat in a close arrangement to ensure the folded seat stays in place. A strap is also provided with tether hooks to secure the folded seat within the retainer by engaging the tether hooks to body anchors provided in the retainer. The floor recess of the retainer has features to easily receive a folded seat and position it into an optimal resting position. The floor recess may be provided with pads to engage with feet on the base of the folded seat. The pads serve to securely locate the seat within the retainer and to dampen vibration of the stored seat while the vehicle is in motion.