Oblique Steering Column Seat Mounting for Commercial Vehicle Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small commercial vehicle driving places often lack ergonomic comfort and adjustability, leading to potential driver discomfort and posture-related issues due to inadequate design for varying driver sizes and road irregularities.
Innovation Solution
A driving place design featuring a seat secured to a long-limbed post sliding on an oblique steering column, with a damper for shock absorption, and adjustable pedals and steering wheel, facilitated by electric actuators and a control unit for precise positioning, creating an articulated quadrilateral structure for enhanced comfort and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the driver's seat is secured exclusively to a quasi-vertical post, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the ergonomic comfort and adaptability to different driver sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static, fixed seat mounting into a dynamic, adjustable system. The seat is mounted on a long-limbed post that can slide along an oblique steering column, allowing the seat position to be dynamically adjusted in multiple directions (elevation, fore-aft, and lateral). This dynamic configuration enables adaptation to different driver sizes and preferences while maintaining structural simplicity through the sliding mechanism rather than complex multi-point mounting.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the driver's seat is fixed in position, then the structural stability is improved, but the driver comfort and perception of vehicle dimensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing a controlled dynamic system where the seat can slide along the oblique steering column. The sliding mechanism allows the seat to move in elevation and position while maintaining structural stability through guided motion constraints. This enables the driver to adjust the seat to optimal positions for comfort and vehicle dimension perception, yet the seat remains firmly positioned during operation to maintain stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the seat is connected to a vertical post, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the shock absorption capability and comfort on irregular road surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the rigid vertical post connection with a sliding mechanism along an oblique steering column. The oblique orientation and sliding capability allow the seat to dynamically respond to road irregularities, absorbing shocks through controlled movement rather than rigid transmission. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving shock absorption and driver comfort on irregular surfaces.
4Device complexity
If the steering column is vertical, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the driver's perception of vehicle dimensions and maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the steering column from a conventional vertical orientation to an oblique configuration. This asymmetric positioning, where the steering column is angled rather than perpendicular to the floor, provides the driver with improved perception of the vehicle's overall dimensions and enhances maneuverability awareness. The oblique angle creates a more favorable geometric relationship between the driver, steering wheel, and vehicle structure.
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 design optimizes ergonomics, habitability, and comfort by allowing adjustable seating and steering configurations, improving driver perception and vehicle control, regardless of driver size, while reducing stress from road irregularities.
Implementation Method 1
a damper for shock absorption
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Driving place of a commercial vehicle comprising a driver's seat (S), a steering wheel (V) and a set of pedals (P), in which the driver's seat (S) is secured to the vehicle by means of a long-limbed post (M) sliding on a guide (L), so that the long-limbed post (M) lies in a vertical plane parallel to a longitudinal development of the vehicle, arranged in an oblique position so that a respective upper end (M2) of the post is more set back than a respective lower end (Ml).