Offset-Axis Seat Riser for Collision-Free Seat Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watercraft and vehicle seats with swiveling capabilities often have a square or rectangular footprint, leading to collisions with shifter panels and other controls due to the extended corners of the seat when rotated.
Innovation Solution
A seat riser system featuring a base with a four-bar linkage and a seat that is rotationally coupled to the base, allowing the seat to move between raised and lowered positions and rotate about an off-center axis, preventing collisions with adjacent panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seat has a square or rectangular footprint with extended corners, then the seat provides adequate support and comfort, but the corners collide with shifter panels and controls when the seat rotates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the traditional square/rectangular seat footprint with a rounded contour. The seat base and backrest are designed with curved edges that follow an arcuate path during rotation, eliminating sharp corners that would collide with surrounding panels and controls. This curved geometry allows the seat to rotate freely without interference from adjacent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric design by positioning the rotation axis offset from the geometric center of the seat. This asymmetric placement allows the seat to rotate along a controlled arcuate path that keeps the seat boundaries clear of fixed panels and controls on one side while maintaining adequate support and comfort functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seat is fixed in position, then the seat structure is simple and stable, but the seat cannot adjust to different user preferences or operational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed seat into a dynamic adjustable system by incorporating rotation and height adjustment capabilities. The seat can rotate about an offset axis and adjust its height position, allowing it to adapt to different user preferences and operational requirements. These dynamic features are achieved through mechanical linkages and actuators that provide controlled movement while maintaining structural stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a seat riser system. The system includes a base and a seat. The base has a base center line, a first base end, a second base end spaced apart along the base center line, a first base side, and a second base side spaced apart from the first base side. The seat has a seat center line, a first seat end, a second seat end spaced apart along the seat center line, a first seat side, a second seat side spaced apart from the first seat side, and a bottom seat surface rotationally coupled to the base such that the seat is rotatable about a seat rotational axis. The seat rotational axis is spaced apart from the seat center line such that the seat rotational axis is closer to the first seat side than it is to the second seat side.