Kinetic Seat Cushion Assembly for Driver-Centered Turning Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat assemblies cause discomfort during vehicle turns due to the rotation of the torso and pelvis in opposite directions, leading to fatigue and aches in drivers.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic seat cushion assembly with a primary and secondary seat cushion frame, coupled by a seat cushion tilt mechanism and a front pivot mechanism, allowing the secondary seat cushion frame to rotate in phase with the secondary seat back frame during turns, maintaining the driver's centered position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver compensates for rotation during turning, then the driver maintains control, but repeated rotation of the driver's torso, pelvis, knees, and head leads to aches and pains
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly performs self-service by automatically adjusting its configuration to compensate for turn-induced forces. The kinetic mechanisms detect and respond to vehicle turning through inertial forces, autonomously pivoting the seat cushion and seat back in the same direction to counteract the harmful rotational effects on the driver's body, eliminating the need for the driver to actively compensate.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the pivot mechanisms to counteract turn forces before they fully affect the driver. The dampers and pivot points are positioned and tuned to provide opposing forces that neutralize the harmful rotational effects on the driver's torso and pelvis during turning maneuvers.
2Device complexity
If the seat assembly is fixed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate rotation of the occupant's body during turning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static seat structure into a dynamic system capable of adaptation. The seat cushion and seat back are equipped with pivot mechanisms and dampers that allow controlled movement in response to vehicle turning. This dynamic configuration enables the seat to automatically adjust its angle and position, accommodating the occupant's body rotation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly is segmented into movable components (seat cushion, seat back, pivot mechanisms, dampers) that can independently adjust during turning. This segmentation allows each component to respond to specific forces, with the cushion and back pivoting together in the same direction, providing adaptable support while keeping the overall structure manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A kinetic seat cushion assembly that rotates based on a force applied on an occupant seated therein is provided. The kinetic seat cushion assembly includes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame, a seat cushion tilt mechanism coupling the secondary seat cushion frame to the primary seat cushion frame such that the secondary seat cushion frame is movable with respect to the primary seat cushion frame, and a front pivot mechanism that pivotally couples a front portion of the primary seat cushion frame to a front portion of the secondary seat cushion frame.