Modular Vehicle Seating Insert Shell Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat configurations are limited in scalability and adaptability across different vehicle sizes and types, making it difficult to change or upgrade seating arrangements without significant modifications.
Innovation Solution
A modular vehicle seating system featuring a shell structure with vehicle body-facing and interior-facing surfaces, including seat module receiving portions and connection features that allow for clamping to vehicle connection points, enabling easy installation and configuration of multiple seating types and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle seats are designed as individual units adapted to particular vehicle models, then the seating configuration is optimized for specific vehicle dimensions, but scalability and adaptability across different vehicle sizes and types are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seating system is divided into modular components: a universal shell structure that can be adapted to different vehicle types, and interchangeable seat modules that can be configured in various arrangements. This segmentation allows the same basic shell to serve multiple vehicle sizes while maintaining optimized seating configurations through module variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell structure is designed as a universal base unit that can be adapted to fit different vehicle types and sizes. The standardized connection features and receiving portions enable the same shell to function across multiple vehicle platforms, eliminating the need for completely redesigned seating systems for each vehicle model.
2Ease of operation
If vehicle seats are extensively customized for specific vehicle types, then optimal seating fit is achieved, but changes to seating configurations become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The seating system transitions from fixed, customized configurations to dynamic, reconfigurable arrangements. The standardized connection features enable quick attachment and detachment of seat modules, allowing seating configurations to be easily changed without extensive customization work for each new arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell structure and connection features are pre-configured with standardized interfaces during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of connection points and receiving portions enables rapid assembly and reconfiguration of seating modules without requiring extensive on-site customization or modification work.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional vehicle seating is designed for specific vehicle dimensions, then precise fit is achieved, but scalability to other vehicle sizes is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The shell structure serves as a universal platform that maintains precise fit across different vehicle types through standardized dimensions and connection interfaces. The modular seat modules can be arranged to accommodate various vehicle sizes while preserving manufacturing precision through consistent interface specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in seating configuration (number of modules, arrangement patterns) while maintaining constant critical parameters (connection interface dimensions, shell structure specifications). This enables scalability across vehicle sizes without sacrificing manufacturing precision in the standardized components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular vehicle seating system includes a vehicle body (70, 72) with vehicle interior connection features (60, 62, 64) and a modular vehicle seating insert (10, 10', 10"). The seating insert (10, 10', 10") comprises a shell structure to be received within the vehicle body (70, 72). The shell structure has a vehicle body facing surface (36) and a vehicle interior facing surface, wherein the vehicle interior facing surface defines seat module receiving portions (12, 14). Vehicle connection features (80, 82, 84) are operatively provided at a side of the vehicle body facing surface (36) of the shell structure for cooperation with the vehicle interior connection features (60, 62, 64) to fix the shell structure to the vehicle body (70, 72). Seat module connection features (40) are associated with each of the seat module receiving portions (12, 14). The system further includes one or more seat module (90), each with a seat base (94) and a seat clamping connector (91, 92, 92).