Reconfigurable Rear Seat Support for Cargo and Seating Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear occupant supports in vehicles lack flexibility and versatility in configuration, limiting their functionality and adaptability to different passenger needs and cargo storage requirements.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable rear occupant support system comprising a bottom support, back support, and frame components that can be rearranged into multiple configurations, including seating, transition, extended, flipped, and stadium modes, with features like removable cushions, rotatable frames, and modular accessories for enhanced adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rear occupant support is designed as a fixed single configuration, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different passenger needs and cargo storage requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rear occupant support is divided into separate modular components including a bottom support assembly and a back support assembly. The bottom support includes a bottom base and bottom cushion, while the back support includes a backrest and headrest. These segmented components can be independently removed, installed, and reconfigured, allowing the system to adapt between seating and cargo configurations without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame incorporates dynamic elements such as rotatable bottom frames that can pivot between horizontal and vertical positions, and removable bottom supports that can be detached to expose the bottom frame. These dynamic features enable the occupant support to transition between multiple configurations (seating, transition, stadium, cargo) by allowing components to move and reposition, thereby achieving configuration flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bottom support is permanently attached to the bottom frame, then the structural stability is maintained, but the ease of reconfiguration for different uses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom support assembly is pre-configured with attachment mechanisms (such as anchors, clips, or fastening systems) that enable quick connection and disconnection from the bottom frame. The bottom base includes pre-installed mounting features that align with corresponding receptacles on the bottom frame, allowing the support to be rapidly attached or removed without complex assembly procedures. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces maintains assembly simplicity while enabling easy reconfiguration.
3Volume of stationary object
If the bottom frame is designed with extended reach, then the cargo storage capacity is improved, but the space utilization in seating configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom frame is designed as a rotatable component that can pivot between a horizontal position (extending forward to maximize cargo storage when supports are removed) and a vertical position (folded against the back frame). In seating configuration, the bottom frame rotates vertically to clear the passenger footwell area, while in cargo configuration, it rotates horizontally to extend the storage capacity. This dynamic repositioning allows the same structure to serve both purposes without permanent compromise to either space utilization or cargo volume.
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant support for a vehicle includes frame including a bottom frame and back frame, a back support, and a bottom support. In a seating configuration, the back support is coupled to the back frame and the bottom support is coupled to the bottom frame. In a transition configuration, the bottom support is removed from the bottom frame.