Powered Linkage Rear Bulkhead for Luxury Vehicle Loadspace
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Solution Overview
Problem
Luxury vehicles are not suitable for carrying large loads due to their inability to easily reconfigure rear seats, which limits their versatility and load-carrying capacity.
Innovation Solution
A powered linkage assembly in the rear seating assembly allows for easy reconfiguration between a passenger seating configuration and a stowed configuration, enabling the bulkhead and backrest to fold forward, thereby increasing loadspace by separating the passenger compartment from the luggage compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rear seats in luxury vehicles are designed for comfort with bulky materials and components, then passenger comfort is improved, but the ability to reconfigure the seating to carry large loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rear seating assembly is divided into separable components including the bulkhead, seat backrest, and powered linkage assembly. This segmentation allows independent movement and reconfiguration of each component, enabling the system to transition between passenger seating mode and cargo mode without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat structure incorporates powered linkage assemblies that enable dynamic reconfiguration between fixed and folded positions. The bulkhead and backrest are designed with movable joints and actuation mechanisms that allow the structure to change its configuration on demand, transforming the vehicle from a passenger-carrying state to a cargo-carrying state.
2Volume of stationary object
If the bulkhead is positioned adjacent to the backrest in the unfolded configuration, then passenger compartment separation is improved, but loadspace availability deteriorates when seats need to be folded
Solution Approach 1:
The powered linkage assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the bulkhead and the seat backrest. This intermediary component facilitates the coordinated movement and folding of the bulkhead and backrest together, enabling smooth transitions between configurations while maintaining proper separation and alignment during the reconfiguration process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a powered linkage assembly is added to enable seat reconfiguration, then seating versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The powered linkage assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides powered actuation for folding the bulkhead and backrest, maintains structural support during transitions, and enables both passenger and cargo configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the added capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention resides in a bulkhead assembly (8) for a passenger vehicle, wherein the bulkhead assembly (8) comprises a powered linkage assembly for reconfiguring the bulkhead assembly between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. The bulkhead assembly (8) is configurable to separate a passenger compartment (2) and a luggage compartment (4) of the passenger vehicle. The bulkhead assembly separates the passenger compartment and the luggage compartment in the unfolded configuration.