Kinetic Seat Structure for Adjustable Support and Load Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural components for seats, such as vehicle seats, lack the ability to adjust simply into multiple positions while effectively absorbing and distributing loads and forces, and do not offer versatile support variants.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic structural component with a flexible structure that has at least one degree of freedom, allowing it to move between compressed and expanded positions, featuring expansion elements like lever elements and joints that change shape and position to provide adjustable support, absorbing forces and changing volume, shape, or position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a seat is formed in multiple parts connected by rotary or latching fittings to enable position adjustment, then the seat can be placed into various positions (comfortable sitting, bed, folded), but the structural complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static, rigid seat structure into a dynamic, flexible structure capable of continuous movement. The flexible structure includes expansion elements that can change configuration between compressed and expanded states, enabling the seat to adapt to various positions (sitting, reclining, bed position) without requiring multiple discrete rigid parts and complex mechanical joints. This dynamic flexibility resolves the contradiction by achieving position versatility through material and structural dynamics rather than through multiple rigid components.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional rigid structural components are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the ability to absorb and distribute loads and forces during position changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the elastic properties and configurational flexibility of the flexible structure. The expansion elements can change their physical state between compressed and expanded configurations, allowing them to absorb and distribute loads and forces dynamically during position transitions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving load absorption capability through parameter changes in the flexible material's configuration rather than through complex rigid mechanical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible structure expands to form curve or arc shapes, then it provides better ergonomic support, but the volume and space required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flexible structure into multiple expansion elements that can independently configure between compressed and expanded states. When ergonomic support is needed, these segmented elements expand to form curve or arc shapes providing localized support. When space is limited, the same segmented elements compress into a compact form. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling the structure to provide ergonomic support only when and where needed, rather than maintaining constant expanded volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A kinetic structural component may have a flexible structure having at least one degree of freedom. The flexible structure can be moved between a compressed position and an expanded position or vice versa. The flexible structure may have at least one substructure which is configured, when said flexible structure is in the expanded position, to expand to form a curve or an arc and/or linearly.