Removable Magnetic Tablet for Foldable Vehicle Seat Backrest

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Solution Overview

Problem

Utility vehicle seats with writing tablets lack additional functional capabilities beyond writing and document consultation within the passenger compartment.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat with a foldable backrest equipped with a removable tablet that uses magnets for secure attachment to the backrest and can be placed on metal surfaces within the vehicle, allowing for use in various positions, including the loading space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a writing tablet is provided on the backrest of a utility vehicle seat, then writing and document consultation functions are available in the passenger compartment, but the device lacks additional functional capabilities in other areas of the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilitiesVSAvoidpassenger compartment only
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tablet is designed with magnetic elements that enable it to perform multiple functions in different locations throughout the vehicle. It can be attached to the backrest for writing, removed and placed in grooves on the folded backrest, or attached to metal surfaces in the loading space, transforming a single-location device into a multi-location versatile tool

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tablet is made removable and portable, then it can be used in multiple locations including the loading space, but it may become loose or detach unintentionally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation flexibilityVSAvoidattachment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical attachment system is replaced with a magnetic field-based attachment system. Magnets embedded in the tablet interact with metal surfaces or magnetic receiving elements to provide secure attachment without mechanical fasteners, allowing easy removal and reattachment while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic strength and distribution of magnets in the tablet can be optimized to provide appropriate attachment force for different locations and uses, allowing the tablet to remain securely attached during normal use but be easily removed when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the backrest is folded over to provide a horizontal writing surface, then writing comfort is improved, but the tablet needs additional positioning mechanisms to remain stable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewriting comfortVSAvoidpositioning mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest is divided into functional zones with grooves at specific positions to receive the tablet when folded. These grooves provide simple geometric containment rather than complex positioning mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring tablet stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances the functionality of the seat by providing a secure, versatile writing surface that can be used not only in the passenger compartment but also in the loading space, ensuring the tablet remains securely attached and easily accessible.

Implementation Method 1

the said tablet comprises a plurality of magnets and in that said seat has on its rear face elements for receiving said magnets intended to accommodate the magnets of the tablet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3623213B1Vehicle seat provided with a removable shelf and vehicle comprising such a seat
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 RENAULT SA
  • EP3623213B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3623213B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3623213B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Motor vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat (2) and a folding backrest having a rear face (31) equipped with a tablet (9), the backrest being able to be folded down onto the seat (2) so as to bring its rear face (31) into a substantially horizontal position, the tablet (9) being removable and attached to the rear face (31) of the backrest inside a housing (32) made in the rear face of the seat backrest (31), said tablet (9) comprising a plurality of magnets and said seat having on its rear face (31) receiving elements (34, 35, 36) for said magnets intended to receive the magnets of the tablet (9) when the latter is placed in the housing (32).