Motorized Upper Seatback Module for Adjustable Seat Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seating assemblies lack sufficient adjustable features to accommodate a wide range of occupant body types and sizes, particularly in terms of seatback height adjustment, which limits comfort and support for drivers and passengers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly with a lower stationary seatback base and an upper movable seatback hood module that is vertically adjustable using an electric motor drive unit, allowing for precise adjustment of the seatback height to accommodate different occupant sizes and preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire seat assembly is raised or lowered to adjust seatback height, then the seatback height is adjusted, but the complexity of the adjustment mechanism increases and the range of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is divided into two independent segments: a lower stationary seatback base portion and an upper movable seatback hood module. The upper module can be independently adjusted vertically relative to the lower portion, allowing height customization without moving the entire seat assembly. This segmentation enables localized adjustment, reducing the complexity of the overall mechanism while expanding the adjustable height range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest is raised or lowered to accommodate different occupants, then head position is adjusted, but the seatback height remains fixed limiting overall comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is divided into a lower stationary portion and an upper movable hood module that can be independently adjusted. This allows the upper seatback height to be customized without affecting the headrest position, and vice versa. The segmentation enables separate optimization of both elements for different occupant sizes and preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper seatback hood module is made dynamically adjustable through an electric motor drive unit that moves it vertically along rail guides. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the seatback height to adapt to different occupants, enhancing versatility while maintaining ease of operation through automated motorized control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed seatback height is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various body types and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback structure is segmented into a fixed lower portion and a movable upper portion. This segmentation allows the lower stable structure to provide support while the upper portion is adjusted to accommodate different body types. The fixed lower portion maintains structural simplicity, while the adjustable upper portion adds adaptability with minimal additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable upper seatback hood module serves multiple functions: it accommodates different occupant heights, provides customizable upper back support, and works with the headrest to create a comprehensive adjustment system. This multi-functionality increases adaptability to various body types without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances occupant comfort by providing a customizable seatback height adjustment range of 75 mm, improving support and positioning of the headrest and speakers for optimal acoustics and personal space, thereby accommodating various body types and enhancing the overall driving experience.
Implementation Method 1
An electric motor drive unit is mounted to one of the seatback frame assembly or the upper seatback slide bracket, and a driven member is mounted to the other of the seatback frame assembly or the upper seatback slide bracket, wherein the electric motor drive unit engages the driven member to vertically adjust the upper movable seatback hood module
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of rail guides mounted to one of the seatback frame assembly or the upper seatback slide bracket and a rail mounted to the other of the seatback frame assembly or the upper seatback slide bracket, the plurality of rail guides slidably engaging the rail
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly has a seat having a lower seat and a seatback extending upwardly from the lower seat. The seatback has a lower stationary seatback base portion having a seatback frame assembly, and an upper movable seatback hood module vertically adjustable relative the lower stationary portion. The upper movable seatback hood module has an upper seatback slide bracket, and a plurality of rail guides slidably engaging a rail. An electric motor drive unit engages a driven member to vertically adjust the upper movable seatback hood module relative the lower stationary portion when the electric motor drive unit is actuated.