Modular Vehicle Seatback Workstation With Removable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle seating assemblies are bulky and heavy due to rigid seatbacks with integrated climate control features, leading to reduced interior space and decreased fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular seating assembly with a seatback that includes an adjustable headrest and a removably coupled workstation with connection features such as mechanical, data, and power connectors, along with concealed compartments accessible via doors, providing additional work surface space and connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid seatbacks with integrated climate control features are used, then occupant support and comfort are improved, but weight and bulk increase leading to decreased fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is divided into modular components: a rigid structural frame providing safety and support, and separate removable panels (work surface panel, storage compartments) that can be added or removed based on need. This segmentation allows the basic seat to remain lightweight while optional features are added only when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The seatback incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements including removable panels, movable storage compartments, and adjustable headrests. These dynamic features allow the seating system to adapt its configuration and weight based on specific operational requirements, rather than permanently including all features.
2Reliability
If traditional thick cushion constructions with climate control features are used, then occupant comfort is improved, but interior space is reduced and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Storage functionality is segmented into separate removable panels and compartments rather than being integrated into the main seat cushion structure. This allows the core seating volume to remain compact while storage capacity can be added or removed independently based on space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage compartments and work surfaces are positioned in three-dimensional space around the occupant (side panels, rear compartments) rather than extending the cushion thickness. This utilizes unused spatial dimensions to provide comfort and functionality without increasing the primary seating volume.
3Reliability
If rigid and sizeable seatback constructions are used, then safety support during acceleration and collision is improved, but weight increases leading to fuel efficiency loss
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback structure is segmented into a minimal rigid safety frame that provides essential crash protection, with additional features (work surfaces, storage, climate control panels) as removable attachments. This ensures safety requirements are met with minimum weight, while additional features are added only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame structure serves multiple functions: providing safety support during collisions, serving as the mounting structure for removable panels, and forming the basic support for the occupant. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural elements, reducing overall weight while maintaining safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat operably coupled with a seatback. The seatback includes an adjustable headrest. A back panel is disposed on a rearward side of the seatback. The back panel includes engagement features removably coupled with a workstation. The workstation includes a plurality of connection features. The connection features includes a mechanical connector, a data connector, and a power connector. An upper support abuts a rear surface of the headrest. An open receptacle is disposed proximate the headrest. An intermediate compartment is disposed adjacent the open receptacle and concealed by first and second opposing doors. A lower compartment is concealed by a bottom door.