Modular seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child seats in bicycle trailers lack ease of installation and removal, and are not adaptable for transporting babies in a lying/sitting position due to fixed mounting and limited adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A modular seat design with struts and a securing element, such as straps or rods, that allows the seat and backrest to be securely fastened directly to the seat frame, enabling easy attachment and detachment from the vehicle or trailer, and adjustable angles for different positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seat is permanently mounted or requires complex anchoring to vehicle parts, then the seat stability and security are improved, but the ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat system is divided into modular components: a removable seat module with integrated struts and securing elements, and a vehicle mounting system. This segmentation allows the seat to be easily detached and reattached without complex tooling while maintaining security when installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing elements and struts are integrated directly into the seat structure itself rather than being separate components. This merging eliminates the need for additional anchoring mechanisms to vehicle parts, simplifying both installation and removal while maintaining structural integrity and security.
2Ease of manufacture
If the seat has fixed mounting configuration, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different uses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat incorporates adjustable components including struts with variable positioning and securing elements that can be configured for different mounting scenarios. This dynamic adjustability allows the same basic seat design to adapt to various vehicle types and usage requirements without requiring multiple specialized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat design uses standardized struts and securing elements that can be configured for different mounting locations and orientations. This universal design approach allows a single seat model to serve multiple functions and be installed in various vehicle configurations, from bicycle trailers to cargo bikes.
3Device complexity
If the seat uses simple anchoring without integrated struts, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat system is divided into modular components: a removable seat module with integrated struts and securing elements, and a vehicle mounting system. This segmentation allows the seat to be easily detached and reattached without complex tooling while maintaining security when installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The struts and securing elements are self-contained within the seat structure, eliminating the need for external anchoring mechanisms. The seat essentially secures itself through its integrated components, simplifying both installation and removal operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular seat (1) for a light vehicle or a trailer therefor, comprising a seat surface (3) and a backrest (2) whose angle relative to each other is adjustable, and with elements for fastening the seat (1) in the light vehicle or the trailer, as well as with at least one tensile-loadable securing element (7) with which the backrest (2) and/or the seat surface (3) can be secured against deflection in at least one direction. The seat according to the invention has one or more struts extending below the seat surface (3) and/or the backrest (2), wherein the securing element (7) is directly or indirectly supported against one of the struts. This achieves improved functionality of the seat.