Multi-position gusset plate for vehicle seat flat floor alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat back gussets are not standardized to fit tubular structures and lack adjustability, making it difficult to achieve a flat floor configuration when the seat back is folded horizontally, as they are designed for specific applications and do not accommodate varying floor levels across different vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-position gussets with adjustable openings and symmetrical wings that can be mounted on either side of the seat back structure, allowing for pivot articulation at different spacings and heights, enabling the seat back to align with the vehicle floor, regardless of the seat type or floor level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If gussets are designed for specific applications with fixed opening positions, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different floor levels and seat configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gusset transitions from a static component with fixed opening positions to a dynamic component with multiple selectable opening positions. The series of openings at different locations along the wing allows the hinge pin to be positioned at various heights, enabling adaptation to different floor levels while maintaining a standardized gusset design that can be manufactured using the same tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The gusset is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple seat configurations and floor levels. By incorporating a series of openings that can accommodate hinge pins at different positions, a single standardized gusset design serves multiple functions across different vehicle types and seat arrangements, eliminating the need for application-specific custom gussets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gussets are standardized for tubular structures with symmetrical wings, then versatility across seat types is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gusset design segments the opening positions into discrete locations along the wing, with each position optimized for specific seat configurations. This segmentation allows the standardized gusset to accommodate one-third and two-thirds bench seats while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized opening patterns that can be produced with consistent precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple opening positions are provided on the gusset, then adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The series of openings is concentrated in a specific local area on the wing of the gusset, rather than distributing openings throughout the entire component. This localized arrangement provides the necessary adjustability for different articulation positions while maintaining a simple overall gusset structure that is easy to manufacture and install.
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge gusset plate (1) comprising at least one flange (2, 3) to be solidly connected to the elbows forming the lower corners of a tubular backrest (19, 20) structure (21) of a vehicle seat, in which at least one flange (2, 3) of the gusset plate (1) comprises a series of openings (60), one of said openings (60) being selected to receive a swivel pin (56) in order to create a flat floor (52a, 52b) when the backrest of the seat (53a, 53b) is folded down into a horizontal position.