Multi-Pivot Seat Base Locking for Flexible Vehicle Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat bases in vehicles, particularly in emergency vehicles, are fixedly mounted and require multiple release mechanisms for movement, leading to potential trip hazards and issues with foreign matter accumulation, complicating repositioning and movement.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pivot seat base assembly with proximate and distal arms, each with pivot locking assemblies, allowing coordinated movement and selective locking via actuator-controlled mechanisms to facilitate seamless repositioning without trip hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tracks are used to allow restricted movements of seat occupants, then movement capability is improved, but foreign matter may be stuck therein and prevent desired movements
Solution Approach 1:
The seat base assembly is divided into multiple independent arms (proximate arm and distal arm) that can pivot relative to each other, replacing the traditional track-based single-axis movement system. This segmentation allows the seat to achieve multi-directional movement without relying on tracks that can accumulate foreign matter.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static track-based system to a dynamic multi-pivot arm system with multiple degrees of freedom. The arms can pivot and extend to provide adaptive movement paths, allowing the seat to navigate around obstacles and accommodate various positions without being constrained by fixed tracks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tracks with multiple release mechanisms are used for each axis of movement, then repositioning flexibility is improved, but the system becomes more complex and requires multi-movement operations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple release mechanisms are merged into a single integrated locking system that controls all pivot joints simultaneously. The locking mechanism can lock or unlock all arms at once, eliminating the need for separate release mechanisms for each axis of movement and simplifying the repositioning operation to a single action.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed as a universal system that performs multiple functions: it locks and unlocks all pivot joints, provides safety locking during vehicle movement, and enables single-action repositioning. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each movement axis.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed mounting is used for seat bases, then stability is improved, but trip hazards are created and repositioning is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The seat base transitions from a fixed static mounting to a dynamic multi-pivot system that can adapt its configuration. The arms can pivot and extend to provide stable support in various positions while eliminating trip hazards associated with fixed tracks, allowing the seat to be repositioned safely and easily.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-pivot arm system with integrated locking mechanism provides self-servicing capabilities: it automatically locks during normal operation to maintain stability, and can be easily unlocked for repositioning when needed, eliminating the need for complex manual intervention or tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-pivot seat base assembly includes a first pivot assembly mountable to a floor, a proximate arm having a proximate end mounted to the first pivot assembly and a distal end mounted to a second pivot assembly, a distal arm having a proximate end mounted to the second pivot assembly; the distal arm including a distal end provided with a third pivot assembly defining a seat receiving element. First and second pivot locking assemblies are provided to lock the first, second and the third pivot assemblies, respectively.