Seating Assembly Pivot Bracket for Level Reclined Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern motor vehicle seating assemblies do not adequately address the needs of occupants when the vehicle is parked, as they fail to provide a comfortable and level surface for resting or sleeping, often resulting in discomfort due to a significant vertical gap between the lower seating structure and seatback in the fully reclined position and insufficient upper back support.
Innovation Solution
A hip lifter mechanism that includes a bracket detachable and rotatable about a transverse bar, with a forward lever coupled to a seat suspension and a rearward portion linked to a seatback, which raises the edge of the seat cushion to the level of the seatback in the fully reclined position, creating a substantially horizontal plane and providing adequate upper back support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seatback is designed with conventional reclining mechanisms, then the seatback can provide support in driving and reclined positions, but a substantial vertical gap is created between the lower seating structure and the seatback in the fully reclined position, causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lower seating structure height adjustable through a lifter mechanism that responds to seatback recline position. The mechanism dynamically changes the vertical position of the seat cushion to maintain a substantially horizontal plane with the seatback in fully reclined position, eliminating the vertical gap that causes discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifter mechanism acts as an intermediary between the seatback recline system and the lower seating structure. It mediates the relationship by detecting when the seatback is in fully reclined position and automatically adjusting the seat cushion height to eliminate the vertical gap, providing a smooth transition for occupant comfort.
2Reliability
If the lower seating structure is downwardly inclined to provide ergonomic seating and position the H-point for safety, then safety and ergonomics are improved, but the structure creates discomfort when the vehicle is parked and the occupant wants to rest or sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the lower seating structure configuration based on operating conditions. During vehicle operation, the structure maintains its downwardly inclined ergonomic position for safety. When the vehicle is parked and the seatback is fully reclined, the lifter mechanism raises the seat cushion to create a level sleeping surface, providing versatility for different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifter mechanism enables the seating assembly to serve multiple functions: it maintains the ergonomic inclined position for safe driving operation while also creating a level supine platform for resting or sleeping when the vehicle is parked. This multi-functionality addresses both safety requirements and comfort needs in different contexts.
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
The mechanism allows for a more comfortable sleeping position by eliminating the pressure on the lumbar and tailbone, creating a level surface between the seat cushion and seatback, enhancing occupant comfort and relaxation when the vehicle is stationary.
Implementation Method 1
The bracket includes a forward lever and a rearward portion. The forward lever is coupled to a seat suspension. The forward lever raises an edge of the seat suspension upon the seatback pivoting to a predetermined reclined position.
Implementation Method 2
The bracket is detachable from and rotatable about a transverse bar. The forward lever raises an edge of the seat suspension, utilizing mechanical advantage to lift the seat cushion edge to the level of the seatback.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifter mechanism for an edge of a seat cushion includes a bracket detachable from and rotatable about a transverse bar. The bracket includes a forward lever and a rearward portion. The forward lever is coupled to a seat suspension. The rearward portion is coupled to a linkage. The linkage is coupled to a seatback. The forward lever raises an edge of the seat suspension upon the seatback pivoting to a predetermined reclined position.