Foldable Seating Structure Integrated in Vehicle Rear Bumper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle rear bumper seating solutions are uncomfortable, require removal of luggage compartment items for use, and occupy valuable storage space or are not compatible with vehicle designs.
Innovation Solution
A foldable seating structure integrated into the rear bumper, comprising a backrest and seat bottom that pivotally connect to the vehicle's crash and towing structures, allowing for comfortable seating without occupying storage space and maintaining crash integrity, with the ability to unfold without removing luggage compartment items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If integrated seating is provided in the loading area of the luggage compartment, then comfortable seating with backrest support is achieved, but goods transported in the luggage compartment must be removed before the seat may be used
Solution Approach 1:
The seating structure is segmented from the luggage compartment interior, being integrated into the rear bumper instead. This allows the seating function to be separated from the storage function, enabling both to operate independently without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating structure is extracted from the luggage compartment and relocated to the rear bumper assembly. This extraction resolves the conflict by placing the seating function in a location that does not interfere with luggage storage and retrieval operations.
2Area of stationary object
If the seating structure is integrated into the rear bumper, then valuable storage area in the luggage compartment is not occupied and crash structure integrity is maintained, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The seating structure is merged with the rear bumper assembly, combining two functions (seating and crash protection) into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces overall system complexity despite the multifunctional requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear bumper is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a crash protection structure and as a mounting platform for the seating. This universal design approach allows the same structural elements to fulfill multiple purposes, reducing the need for additional components.
3Area of stationary object
If the back rest and seat bottom are stored in an upright position in the rear bumper, then valuable storage area is not occupied and unfolding is simplified, but the internal space requirements of the rear bumper increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seating components are arranged in a nested configuration within the rear bumper, where the backrest and seat bottom can be stored in an upright, space-efficient manner. The structure allows one component to be positioned within or alongside another, maximizing the use of available internal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating structure utilizes the vertical dimension within the rear bumper for storage, positioning the backrest and seat bottom in an upright orientation. This dimensional approach allows efficient packing of the seating components without requiring excessive horizontal or depth space.
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
Provides comfortable seating without displacing luggage, maintains vehicle safety features, and does not occupy valuable storage space, enabling flexible use without compromising vehicle design compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
The back rest structure and the seat bottom structure in the unfolding mode and loading mode and the seat bottom structure in the seating mode are arrested by means of a transverse strut.
Implementation Method 2
The back rest structure and the seat bottom structure are pivotally connected to each other. The back rest structure and the seat bottom structures are pivotally attached to an original crash structure and/or towing structure of the vehicle.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Foldable seating structure (1) provided in a rear end (2) of a vehicle, which rear end comprises a rear bumper (3), a luggage compartment (4) and a luggage opening (5) of the luggage compartment. The foldable seating (1) is movable between a stored mode and a seating mode and forms part of the rear bumper (3). The foldable seating structure comprises at least a back rest structure (6) and at least a seat bottom structure (7). The back rest structure (6) and seat bottom structure (7) in the seating mode is provided in the luggage opening (5) of the luggage compartment (4), and in the stored mode the back rest structure (6) and the seat bottom structure (7) are stored in an internal space (8) of the rear bumper of the vehicle.