Rail Vehicle Seat Assembly Vertical Stowage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat devices in rail vehicles, particularly in trams, face challenges in accommodating space-saving designs that allow for comfortable seating in the use position without obstructing driver visibility and require minimal stowed space to ensure operational safety and quick emergency evacuation.
Innovation Solution
A structural unit comprising a seat device and holder with pivotable guide means, where the seat device can be converted from a stowed vertical position to a use position using pull-out devices and guide elements, allowing for efficient space utilization and easy installation in compact vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the seat device is designed to be stowed in a compact position, then the space utilization in the rail vehicle is improved, but the installation depth required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning the seat from a horizontal stowage configuration to a vertical stowage position. The seat device is designed to be foldable and rotatable, allowing it to stand vertically in the stowed position, thereby utilizing vertical space instead of horizontal space and reducing the installation depth required in the horizontal direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat device incorporates dynamic movement capabilities through foldable and rotatable mechanisms. The seat can dynamically transition between a horizontal usable position and a vertical stowed position, and also between different usable positions (facing forward or backward). This dynamic adaptability allows the seat to optimize space utilization based on operational requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If the seat device is made foldable and rotatable to improve space saving, then the stowed volume is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated seat device. The foldable mechanism, rotatable mechanism, and mounting structure are combined into one unified assembly that performs multiple operations (folding, rotating, mounting) through coordinated movement of integrated components, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the multifunctional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat device is designed with universal multi-functionality, allowing it to serve multiple purposes: it can be used in horizontal or vertical positions, face forward or backward, and be easily installed or removed. This multi-functionality is achieved through a standardized mounting interface and symmetric design that enables the same structure to perform various functions without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
3Volume of moving object
If the seat device uses a complex foldable and rotatable mechanism, then the space-saving capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat device is pre-configured with spring elements and gravity-assisted mechanisms that automatically guide the folding and rotating movements. The springs are pre-loaded to provide the necessary force for movement, and the gravitational force naturally assists the seat in folding downward and rotating to its stowed position, eliminating the need for complex manual operation or additional actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat device utilizes self-service mechanisms where the folding and rotating actions are primarily driven by the seat's own weight and pre-loaded spring elements rather than external actuators. The gravity force naturally causes the seat to fold downward, and the spring elements provide the torque needed for rotation, allowing the system to perform its own transformation without requiring complex external control systems.
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 solution provides a space-saving, comfortable seating arrangement that can be quickly transferred between use and stowed positions, ensuring operational safety and ease of use, while minimizing installation depth and maintaining driver visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one extension device (330) is pivotably hinged to the support element (2, 310) via the at least one mounting (300)
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the invention, a unit 100 is provided for the space-saving accommodation of a seating arrangement 200 in a rail vehicle 1. This unit comprises the seating arrangement 200 and at least one mounting 300 for the seating arrangement 200. The at least one mounting 300 is held in a support element 20 in the rail vehicle 1.The assembly 100 comprises the following features: the seat assembly 200 can be moved from a use position to a stow position and vice versa; the seat assembly 200 and the at least one bracket 300 are connected to each other via corresponding guide means (231; 330) so that the seat assembly 200 is movable relative to the at least one bracket 300, wherein the corresponding guide means are formed by at least one extension device 330 and at least one guide element 231 corresponding to the at least one extension device 330; the at least one extension device 330 is pivotably hinged to the support element 20 via the at least one bracket (300); the seat assembly 200 is arranged in a substantially vertical position in the stow position.