Lateral Adapter for Isofix Vehicle Seat Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Isofix anchorings for vehicle rear seats are fixed in position, leading to inefficient space utilization when attaching supplemental seats, as they cannot be adjusted laterally, resulting in wasted space and making it difficult to fit additional passengers or install multiple supplemental seats abreast.
Innovation Solution
A lateral adapter and adapter kit for Isofix anchorings that extend the existing Isofix rings with a straight or curved bar and attachment means, allowing transverse adaptation of supplemental seats without modifying the seats or anchorings, enabling anchoring at any position, including abreast configurations, while maintaining compliance with standards R44/04 and i-Size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed position Isofix anchorings are used, then the anchorings are simple and reliable, but space utilization in rear seats is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lateral adapter with a bar that can be positioned at different lateral locations along the rear seat, transforming the fixed anchoring system into an adjustable one. The adapter allows the Isofix rings to be effectively moved laterally by attaching to the bar at different positions, thereby optimizing space utilization while maintaining anchoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral adapter acts as an intermediary component between the vehicle structure and the supplemental seat. It includes a bar with attachment means that connects to the Isofix rings, allowing the seat to be positioned at optimal lateral locations while the adapter itself attaches to fixed points on the vehicle, thus mediating between the fixed anchorings and the need for flexible positioning.
2Area of stationary object
If lateral adjustment of supplemental seats is enabled, then space utilization improves, but the seat structure becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lateral adjustment function into separate components: a lateral adapter with a bar and attachment means, independent of the supplemental seat structure. The seat itself remains simple and conventional, while the adjustment capability is provided by the separate adapter that attaches to the seat's Isofix rings, thus avoiding complexity in the seat structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral adapter is designed as a universal component that can be used with any supplemental seat equipped with Isofix rings. The bar with attachment means provides a standardized interface that works with different seat models, eliminating the need for complex, seat-specific adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard Isofix anchorings are used, then compatibility with conventional seats is maintained, but lateral adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the anchoring system by adding a lateral dimension to the adjustment capability. The bar of the lateral adapter can be positioned at different lateral locations along the rear seat, effectively adding a lateral adjustment dimension to the traditional Isofix system without modifying the vertical or depth positioning, thus optimizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral adapter serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the fixed Isofix anchorings and the need for lateral adaptability. The adapter's bar with attachment means connects to the standard Isofix rings, allowing the seat to be effectively positioned at various lateral locations while maintaining compatibility with standard anchorings.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Lateral adapter (1) for car seat anchorings, wherein said anchorings are two Isofix rings (3), comprising a first bar (1.1) with a length of at least the separation between two consecutive rings, and some first attachment means (1.2) of the first bar to the rings. Adapter kit for car seat anchorings, wherein said anchorings are four Isofix rings, comprising two side adapters connected by a central adapter. They allow the transverse adaptation of a supplemental seat and the anchorings to optimise the space in the rear seats of a vehicle.