Pivotable Thigh Supports for Vehicle Seat Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle seating assemblies face challenges in accommodating diverse occupant sizes and shapes, leading to discomfort and muscle strain due to inadequate thigh support and alignment of the H-point, which is typically designed for average sizes rather than a range from the fifth percentile female to the ninety-fifth percentile male.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly with pivotable thigh supports positioned forward of the H-point, defining a cushion split and aligned to mimic the human leg shape, providing enhanced comfort and support by rotating about an axis specifically tuned to accommodate occupants of varying sizes, from the fifth percentile female to the ninety-fifth percentile male, thereby reducing muscle strain and improving leg support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the H-point is positioned for average-sized occupants, then the seat design is simplified, but comfort and support are inadequate for occupants ranging from fifth percentile females to ninety-fifth percentile males
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into multiple functional segments: a base seat with H-point positioning, separate first and second thigh supports that can move independently, and a cushion split that allows differential movement. This segmentation enables each component to be optimized for specific occupant regions, accommodating diverse sizes from fifth percentile females to ninety-fifth percentile males while maintaining overall seat functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The thigh supports are designed with dynamic movement capabilities through pivot mechanisms and cushion splits that allow the seat to adapt its configuration. The first and second thigh supports can pivot independently about different axes, and the cushion split enables differential movement between left and right sides, allowing the seat structure to dynamically adjust to various occupant geometries and positions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the thigh supports are positioned to accommodate larger occupants, then comfort for ninety-fifth percentile males is improved, but support for smaller occupants like fifth percentile females becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the seat are given different functional properties through locally optimized pivot axes. The first thigh support pivots about a first axis positioned to optimize support for smaller occupants, while the second thigh support pivots about a second axis positioned to optimize support for larger occupants. This local differentiation allows the same seat structure to provide appropriate support across the full percentile range without requiring a single precision-critical pivot location
3Ease of manufacture
If the seat is designed for average occupant size, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but muscle strain occurs due to inadequate thigh support alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is segmented into a base seat and separate movable thigh supports, allowing the thigh supports to be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation enables the thigh supports to be aligned with the occupant's hamstring tendon and knee geometry without complicating the overall manufacturing process, as each segment can be produced separately and assembled with standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The movable thigh supports with their pivot mechanisms and cushion split enable dynamic alignment adjustment that accommodates various occupant geometries. This dynamic capability allows the seat to naturally align with the occupant's leg anatomy (hamstring tendon to knee) across different body types, reducing muscle strain without requiring complex active control systems or precision-adjustable mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a base seat defining a seating surface configured to position an H-point of an occupant at a predetermined location. The base seat includes first and second sides. First and second seat bolsters are disposed at the first and second sides, respectively, of the base seat. First and second thigh supports are disposed forward of the base seat. The first and second thigh supports define a cushion split. A transverse seam extends across a forward edge of the base seat. The transverse seam is forward of the H-point a predetermined distance. The first and second thigh supports are pivotable about an axis disposed at the predetermined distance forward of the H-point.