Modular Vehicle Seat Back for Interchangeable Restraint Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seat designs for mass transit vehicles are costly and complex, requiring separate frames for integrated restraint systems like lap and shoulder belts, which increase production costs and reduce seating capacity, and lack modularity for easy upgrades or changes in configuration.
Innovation Solution
A modular seat system with a detachable seat back that can be easily replaced using common connections, allowing for different restraint systems and configurations, such as lap belts, three-point seat belts, or child restraints, without altering the seat bottom or requiring specialized installation training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate frames are used for integrated restraint systems, then restraint system functionality is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into modular components: a base structure with channel members and separate seat back assemblies with attachment members. This segmentation allows the restraint system to be integrated into the seat back module rather than requiring a separate complex frame structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure's channel members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the seat bottom and serve as attachment points for various seat back configurations including different restraint systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate frames for each restraint system type, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate frames are used for integrated restraint systems, then restraint system functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the seat into a reusable base structure and interchangeable seat back assemblies, the manufacturing process is simplified. The base structure can be produced once and used for multiple configurations, reducing per-unit manufacturing costs compared to producing separate frames for each restraint system type.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows the base structure to be recovered and reused across different seat configurations. Instead of discarding or modifying entire frame structures for different restraint systems, only the seat back assemblies are replaced, reducing manufacturing costs through component reuse.
3Ease of operation
If modular seat backs with detachable connections are used, then ease of replacement and configuration changes are improved, but connection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member and channel member are designed to merge into a single integrated connection when assembled. This merging provides both the ease of attachment/detachment needed for simple replacement and the structural integrity required for reliable connection during vehicle operation and restraint system deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel-member attachment member connection acts as an intermediary between the base structure and seat back assemblies. This intermediary design allows for simple attachment mechanisms while maintaining reliable load transfer, bridging the gap between ease of operation and connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular seat assembly including a seat bottom, a seat back, and a fastener. The seat bottom having a frame and a cushion, the frame including a first member having a channel with an open end. The seat back having a back frame, a back cushion, a second member, and a first restraint system. The second member is configured to be removably coupled to the first member by the fastener with the channel of the first member receiving the second member through the open end. The seat assembly is configured such that the second member may be decoupled from the first member to decouple the first seat back from the seat assembly and replace the first seat back with a second seat back.