Motorized Thigh Support Carriage for Vehicle Seat Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle seats face challenges in accommodating diverse passenger sizes and shapes, as well as varying desired postures, leading to discomfort and reduced endurance during extended travel.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle seat features an adjustable thigh support assembly with a carrier assembly that includes slide members and a motor-driven mechanism, allowing the thigh support to move laterally between stowed and extended positions, providing customizable support and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle seat uses a fixed thigh support design, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different passenger sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a motorized carriage assembly that can dynamically adjust the thigh support position along the lateral direction. The carriage moves between retracted and extended positions based on passenger needs, transforming a static structure into a dynamic adaptive system. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability through controlled movement rather than multiple fixed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The thigh support is divided into separate functional modules: the carrier assembly, the carriage assembly, and the slide members. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the carriage position while maintaining a unified overall structure. The modular design enables adaptability without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the vehicle seat includes an adjustable thigh support mechanism, then the comfort for extensive travel is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual adjustment mechanisms with an electric motor system. The motor drives the carriage assembly through a driveshaft and mounting bracket, substituting what would traditionally require manual cranks, levers, or cables with a simplified electric actuation system. This reduces the mechanical complexity while enabling smooth, precise positioning for extended comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage assembly serves multiple functions: it provides lateral adjustment, maintains structural support, and enables position locking. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional component rather than separate mechanisms, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the capability for extended comfortable use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the thigh support is designed to accommodate various postures, then the versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized system operates autonomously to adjust the thigh support position. Once the desired position is selected or triggered, the motor automatically moves the carriage assembly to the correct location without requiring manual manipulation of complex mechanisms. This self-service capability maintains versatility while significantly improving ease of operation.
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
This solution enhances passenger comfort and endurance by accommodating different passenger sizes and postures, ensuring optimal support and reducing fatigue during long journeys.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is operably coupled to the carrier assembly and includes an outwardly extending driveshaft configured for rotation as powered by the motor
Implementation Method 2
The first and second slide members are slideably received in the first and second guide channels of the carriage assembly to slideably couple the carriage assembly to the carrier assembly for lateral movement
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat portion with a carrier assembly having an adjustable thigh support assembly disposed therein. First and second slide members are disposed on a support platform coupled to the carrier assembly in a carriage receiving area. A carriage assembly is configured for lateral reception in the carriage receiving area. The carriage assembly includes first and second guide channels. The first and second slide members are slideably received in the first and second guide channels of the carriage assembly to slideably couple the carriage assembly to the carrier assembly for lateral movement of the carriage assembly between extended and stowed positions relative to a rear portion of the seat portion.