Modular seat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing child bicycle trailers with adjustable backrests are not suitable for transporting babies in a lying/sitting position, and the seats are either permanently mounted or require significant effort for installation and removal.

Innovation Solution

A modular seat with an adjustable backrest and seat angle, featuring a self-locking mechanism and tensioning device to maintain constant tension in the guying element, allowing for secure positioning and easy installation/removal, utilizing a belt or rope brake and a winding mechanism to prevent slack and tangling, with a handle for one-handed adjustment and automatic locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the seat is permanently mounted in the vehicle, then the stability and security of the seat is improved, but the ease of installation and removal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat stabilityVSAvoidinstallation and removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seat is divided into modular components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The anchoring element with self-locking mechanism allows the seat to be segmented into installable/removable parts while maintaining stability when locked.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The self-locking mechanism automatically locks the anchoring element when tension is applied, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The seat secures itself through the self-locking feature when the anchoring element is tensioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the backrest angle is made adjustable, then the adaptability for different passengers is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackrest angle adjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest is designed with adjustable angular position relative to the seat surface, allowing dynamic adaptation to different passenger needs. The tensioning device maintains proper tension in the guying element throughout the adjustment range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The self-locking mechanism automatically secures the guying element at any position, eliminating the need for complex locking procedures. The tensioning device automatically maintains tension without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the guying element is made tension-resistant, then the safety under acceleration forces is improved, but the ease of adjustment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety under accelerationVSAvoidseat adjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The self-locking mechanism automatically engages when tension is applied to the guying element, providing secure locking without manual intervention. The tensioning device automatically maintains proper tension levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The self-locking mechanism is designed to automatically lock before any harmful movement or slack can occur in the guying element. The tensioning device pre-maintains proper tension to prevent unsafe conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Reliability

If the locking element has automatic self-locking, then the safety and reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element features a self-locking mechanism that automatically engages when tension is applied to the guying element. The mechanism locks itself without requiring manual operation or additional locking components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The self-locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the tensioned guying element and the seat structure, automatically transferring and securing the tensile forces without requiring complex locking procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The modular seat ensures secure and adjustable positioning of the backrest and seat, maintaining tension even under strong acceleration forces, and simplifies installation and removal, enhancing safety and practicality for various uses such as transporting children or cargo.

Implementation Method 1

a tensioning device (10) which is designed to keep the guying element (7) tensioned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The self-locking mechanism prevents a locking element (8.1) from moving backwards

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4480345A1Modular seat
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 CROOZER GMBH
  • EP4480345A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4480345A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4480345A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular seat for an unmotorized vehicle or a vehicle with an auxiliary drive, or a trailer thereof, comprising a seat and a backrest whose angle relative to each other is adjustable, and with elements for securing the seat in the vehicle, as well as with at least one tension-resistant bracing element, in particular a rope or a strap, with which the backrest and/or the seat can be secured against deflection in at least one direction, with a releasable locking element for locking the bracing element. The invention also relates to a bicycle trailer with such a modular seat. According to the invention, the seat is characterized in that the locking element has a self-locking mechanism, and that one end of the bracing element interacts with a tensioning device designed to keep the bracing element taut. This provides the seat with improved functionality and safety.