Multi-Position Vehicle Seat With Lateral And Rotational Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Luxury vehicle rear seats lack versatility and comfort, failing to provide optimal seating positions for passengers, which limits conversation and enjoyment during rides.
Innovation Solution
A dual track seat positioning system that allows vehicle seats to move laterally, forward and backward, and rotate, controlled by a multi-positional switch or switches, using electro-mechanical drive units for automated adjustment based on preset positions and vehicle conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rear seats are kept simple like conventional cars, then device complexity is reduced, but passenger comfort and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rear vehicle seat is designed to perform multiple functions by integrating forward and backward movement capabilities, lateral movement, and rotation. The seat can function as a conventional fixed seat, a movable seat for comfort adjustment, a rotating seat for conversation, and an easy-egress seat by moving forward, making it universal for various passenger needs without requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat transitions from a static, fixed position to a dynamic, multi-position configuration. The seat is equipped with drive units and control systems that enable it to move forward, backward, laterally, and rotate based on passenger selection, transforming it from a passive component to an active, adaptable seating system that responds to user input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive units are added to enable forward, backward, lateral, and rotational movement, then seat positioning versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drive units responsible for different movement functions (forward, backward, lateral, rotational) are merged into an integrated system. The control system combines signals from multi-positional switches and coordinates all drive units to execute complex positioning maneuvers, reducing the need for separate control circuits for each movement type and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive units are designed with universal functionality where the same actuators can produce multiple types of motion depending on their activation sequence and combination. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of specialized components needed, thereby easing manufacturing while maintaining comprehensive seat positioning capability.
3Ease of operation
If automated seat positioning is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The seat positioning system operates automatically based on signals from multi-positional switches selected by the passenger. Once the passenger selects a desired position, the control system autonomously coordinates the drive units to move the seat to the correct configuration without requiring manual adjustment mechanisms, enabling the system to serve itself and the passenger simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the seat's current position and compare it with the desired position selected by the passenger. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the seat movement to achieve the target position, providing ease of operation through automated closed-loop control that compensates for system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of positioning a vehicle seat is provided that allows a vehicle passenger seat, preferably a rear passenger seat mounted within the rear portion of the passenger cabin, to move laterally (i.e., side-to-side), fore-aft (i.e., forwards-backwards), and rotationally. As a result, an occupant of the passenger seat can optimize their seat position for the task at hand, e.g., relaxing, obtaining additional leg and/or shoulder room, rotating inwards during a conversation with others in the car, rotating outwards to aid vehicle egress, etc.