Reconfigurable Rear Seat Support for Vehicle Storage Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rear occupant supports in vehicles lack the ability to efficiently convert from a passenger support mode to a storage mode, limiting the available space for storage within the vehicle compartment.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable rear occupant support system that includes a seat mode-change system, allowing the seat bottom and seat back to move relative to the floor and rear wall between passenger support and storage modes, with mechanisms such as seat bottom and seat back mounts enabling the seat to transition from an upright seating position to a collapsed storage position, and the seat back from an upright to a folded-forward position, creating additional storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the rear occupant support is designed as a fixed structure, then the structural stability is maintained, but the storage space in the rear row is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seat bottom and seat back are designed as movable components that can transition between different positions. The seat bottom can move between an upright-seating position and a collapsed-storage position, while the seat back can move between an upright position and a folded-forward position, enabling the structure to dynamically adapt between passenger support mode and storage mode
Solution Approach 2:
The rear occupant support is designed to perform multiple functions: it can provide passenger support when needed and transform into a storage configuration to maximize cargo space. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to serve both seating and storage purposes, eliminating the need for separate storage mechanisms
2Volume of moving object
If the rear occupant support is made reconfigurable to provide storage mode, then the storage space is increased, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seat bottom movement mechanism and seat back movement mechanism are combined into an integrated reconfiguration system. Both components work together to transform the seat from passenger support mode to storage mode, allowing the transformation to be achieved through a coordinated action rather than separate complex operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat bottom is positioned upright for seating, then the passenger support function is provided, but the storage space above the floor is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seat bottom is designed to be movable between an upright-seating position that provides passenger support and a collapsed-storage position that maximizes storage volume. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements
4Adaptability or versatility
If the seat back is positioned upright against the rear wall, then the passenger support function is provided, but the storage surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back is designed to be movable between an upright position that provides passenger support and a folded-forward position that creates a horizontal storage surface. This dynamic repositioning enables the seat back to contribute to both seating and storage functions
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant support for a vehicle includes a seat bottom arranged to overlie a floor of the vehicle, a seat back coupled to the seat bottom and arranged to extend upwardly away from the floor, and a seat mode-change system that allows the rear occupant support to adjust the seat bottom and the seat back to provide a storage space.