Pivotable Lower Seat Cushion for Manual Angle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current compact and stowable vehicle rear seats are not comfortable for a wide range of occupants due to design constraints and weight reduction efforts, limiting the incorporation of comfort features like power tilt adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible seat assembly with a manual, tiltable or pivotable lower seat that adjusts in height via a linkage system, allowing easy angle adjustment without additional aids, combined with collapsible struts for compactness and cost-effectiveness, and adjustable legs for a stadium position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If power tilt adjustments are incorporated into rear seats to improve comfort, then occupant comfort is improved, but weight increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat angle adjustmentVSAvoidseat weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The seat cushion is designed to pivot automatically about an axis near the hip bones when occupied, allowing the seat angle to adjust to different occupant sizes without requiring powered mechanisms. The cushion self-adjusts based on the occupant's weight distribution, eliminating the need for motors and complex control systems while maintaining comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The seat cushion transitions from a fixed angle design to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The pivotable lower seat cushion allows the seat angle to change based on occupancy conditions, providing adaptability without the weight and cost of powered adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If power tilt adjustments are incorporated into rear seats to improve comfort, then occupant comfort is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat angle adjustmentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manual pivotable mechanism eliminates the need for expensive powered adjustment systems. The seat cushion automatically adjusts to different occupant sizes through simple mechanical pivoting about a defined axis, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining comfort functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, complex powered adjustment mechanisms with a simple, cost-effective manual pivotable design. The basic mechanical pivot point near the hip bones provides adequate adjustment functionality without requiring motors, sensors, or control electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Volume of moving object

If the lower seat is made compact for minimal space requirements, then cargo space is maximized, but comfort for various occupant sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat package sizeVSAvoidcomfort for various occupant sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seat cushion is designed to pivot about an axis proximate to the hip bones, allowing the seat angle to dynamically adjust based on occupant size. This dynamic adjustment capability enables a compact seat design that can adapt to different occupant requirements, maintaining comfort while minimizing space when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8899684B2Second row package

Publication Date: 2014.12.02 ADIENT US LLC

AI summary

An adjustable seat assembly providing a compact size with the ability to pivot or tilt the lower seat frame manually and independent of the seat back.