Vehicle Leg Rest Tilting Mechanism to Prevent Seat Cushion Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leg rest devices for vehicles often experience poor operation and interference noise due to interference between the rear end of the leg rest and the front end of the seat cushion during height-up operations, leading to wrinkles or coming-off of the seat cover.
Innovation Solution
A leg rest device with a driving unit that folds or unfolds the leg rest upward, coupled with a tilting unit that includes a guide member and sliding member to tilt the leg rest forward, preventing interference by sliding along a guide hole and supported by a support member, thus avoiding contact with the seat cushion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the leg rest is unfolded upward during height-up operation, then the leg rest can be raised to provide leg support, but the rear end of the leg rest interferes with the front end of the seat cushion causing poor operation and interference noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tilting unit that adds a rotational degree of freedom to the leg rest mechanism. Instead of only moving the leg rest vertically upward, the tilting unit enables the leg rest to rotate forward along a guide hole, changing the motion path from a single-dimensional vertical movement to a two-dimensional combined movement (upward + forward rotation). This dimensional change allows the leg rest to clear the seat cushion during unfolding, eliminating interference and noise while maintaining smooth operation.
2Ease of operation
If the leg rest is unfolded upward, then the leg rest can be raised to support the user's legs, but wrinkles or coming-off of the seat cover is generated due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating the tilting unit with guide hole and sliding member, the leg rest follows a forward-rotating path during upward movement. This dimensional change in motion trajectory prevents the leg rest from contacting and interfering with the seat cushion and seat cover, thereby maintaining the integrity and appearance of the seat cover while still providing the height-up function.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a tilting unit with guide member and sliding member is added to tilt the leg rest forward, then interference with the seat cushion is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the leg rest mechanism into distinct functional modules: the driving unit (motor and screw) for vertical movement, and the tilting unit (guide member, sliding member, and hinge shaft) for forward rotation. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable despite the increased complexity. The modular design enables easier assembly, disassembly, and repair compared to an integrated mechanism.
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
This solution prevents poor operation and interference noise, maintains the integrity of the seat cover, enhancing the external appearance and user satisfaction, and improving brand image by ensuring smooth operation and preventing wrinkles or coming-off of the seat cover.
Implementation Method 1
The driving unit may include a motor and a screw and is coupled to the lower side of the tilting unit, and when the motor is operated, the screw presses the leg rest upward, so that the leg rest is unfolded upward.
Implementation Method 2
The tilting unit may have a guide member through which a guide hole is formed in the front-rear direction, and a sliding member on which a guide protrusion is formed, and when the leg rest is unfolded, the guide protrusion slides forward along the guide hole, so that the leg rest is tilted forward.
Implementation Method 3
The lower sides of the guide member and the sliding member may be hinged by a first hinge shaft and the sliding member is tilted around the first hinge shaft forward and backward.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a leg rest device for a vehicle. The leg rest device includes: a leg rest coupled to the front side of a seat cushion of a vehicle; a driving unit to fold and unfold the leg rest upward and downward; and a tilting unit that has a side coupled to the leg rest and the other side coupled to the seat cushion. In particular, the tilting unit tilts the leg rest forward at a predetermined angle when the leg rest is unfolded.