Modular Vehicle Seat Extension Structure with Articulated Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat frames lack a cost-effective and space-efficient solution for temporary or flexible expansion of seating options while maintaining safety and mechanical stability, especially for scenarios requiring additional seating during short notice.
Innovation Solution
A modular seat frame design featuring a basic structure with support legs, seat, and backrest arrangements, incorporating articulated joints and adjustable components that allow for the easy setup and removal of additional seating options, ensuring compatibility with existing seat frames and safety restraints, and utilizing steel profiles for mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular extension structure with joint means is added to enable flexible seating expansion, then adaptability and versatility improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat frame is divided into a basic seat structure and a separate extension structure. The extension structure can be independently attached or removed, allowing flexible seating expansion without permanently complicating the base design. This segmentation enables the system to remain simple when the extension is not needed while providing complexity only when additional seating is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension structure incorporates joint means that enable articulated adjustment, allowing the extension to be dynamically positioned and configured. This dynamic capability provides adaptability for different seating arrangements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized joint mechanisms.
2Area of stationary object
If space-saving design is implemented for the extension structure, then area usage improves, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The extension structure is designed to be compact and can be stored in a space-saving manner when not in use. The modular components can be nested or folded together, minimizing the area occupied while maintaining the capability for full functionality when deployed. This nesting approach achieves space efficiency without requiring excessively tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the extension structure into discrete modular components connected by joint means, the design achieves compact storage dimensions while using standardized connection interfaces that reduce the need for high-precision custom manufacturing. The segmented approach allows for easier assembly with moderate precision requirements.
3Loss of substance
If minimal material usage is employed for the extension structure, then loss of substance improves, but strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The extension structure uses minimal material by being divided into only the essential components needed for additional seating, connected through standardized joint means. This segmented approach eliminates unnecessary material while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed load path provided by the joint connections to the basic seat structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension structure utilizes universal joint means and connection interfaces that are already present on the basic seat frame, eliminating the need for additional specialized components. This multi-functionality approach allows the same joint mechanisms to serve both structural support and articulation functions, reducing overall material requirements while maintaining strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle seat frame is proposed, comprising a basic seat structure with a support leg, a seat surface, and a backrest arrangement for the vehicle seat, wherein the seat frame has attachment points for a multi-point seat belt system. According to the invention, joint means are provided for the articulated adjustment of an extension structure of an additional seat (21) located on the basic seat structure, wherein the extension structure allows for the optional installation and removal of an additional seating option on the vehicle seat, the seating direction of the installed additional seat (21) being the same as the seating direction of the vehicle seat.