Motorcycle Seat Assembly With Pivoting Width Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorcycle seat assemblies are inflexible and costly, requiring multiple seats for different riding styles and lacking the ability to adjust width easily, especially during a ride.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable seat assembly with pivoting sections that can be widened or narrowed using a locking device and fastening means, allowing for multiple positions without the need for additional seats, and can be adjusted manually or automatically using an electric motor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple seats of different widths are provided to accommodate different riding styles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat width adaptabilityVSAvoidnumber of seats
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seat assembly is designed with pivoting sections that can rotate relative to each other, transforming the static seat into a dynamic structure. The first and second pivoting sections can be adjusted to different angles using the adjustment device, allowing the seat width to change from a narrow configuration (for dynamic riding) to a wider configuration (for comfortable long-distance riding), eliminating the need for multiple separate seats

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single seat assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating different riding styles through width adjustment. The seat can serve both as a narrow sport-oriented seat and a wide comfort-oriented seat, making one universal seat replacement for what would traditionally require multiple specialized seats

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional seats are provided for different riding styles, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to replacement requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat width adaptabilityVSAvoidseat replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic pivoting mechanism allows the seat width to be adjusted in real-time during a ride by operating the adjustment device, eliminating the need to stop and physically replace seats. The adjustment can be made quickly by rotating the pivoting sections to the desired angle and locking them in place

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the seat width is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat structureVSAvoidseat width adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seat assembly is divided into multiple independent pivoting sections (first pivoting section and second pivoting section) that can be adjusted independently. Each section can be rotated to different angles and locked in position, providing discrete width adjustments while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure based on modular segments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seat width is adjusted by changing the angular parameter of the pivoting sections. The adjustment device modifies the rotation angle of each pivoting section, thereby changing the overall width parameter of the seat assembly to suit different riding conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3894310B1Adjustable seat assembly for a motorcycle, and motorcycle
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP3894310B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3894310B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3894310B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~5(b)

AI summary

Described is an adjustable seat assembly (16) for a motorcycle (10), which has a seat pan (17) and an adjustment mechanism (28) The seat pan (17) comprises a base portion (18) and two pivoting portions (20, 22) that are pivotally connected to the base portion (18) and that lie adjacently to one another, seen from the longitudinal direction of the seat assembly (16), on the base portion (18). The base portion (18) has a fastening portion (30) for fastening the seat assembly (16) on the motorcycle (10). The adjustment mechanism (28) is designed to pivot each of the two pivoting portions (20, 22) in relation to the base portion (18). Also described is a motorcycle (10).