Transformable Rear Seat Track Assembly for Tailgate Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle rear seat configurations do not offer a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution for transforming from a forward-facing to a rearward-facing seating arrangement, particularly when the tailgate is open, limiting flexibility and convenience in passenger seating.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design featuring a seat assembly with pivotable seat panels and a guide system that allows the seat to transition between forward and rearward facing positions by sliding along track assemblies, with the option to store the seat on the tailgate when closed, incorporating a roller and spring-biased supports for easy movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transformable rear seat configuration is implemented, then seating flexibility and passenger convenience are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is designed with dynamic transformability, allowing it to pivot between forward-facing and rearward-facing positions. The bracket assembly enables the seat panels to rotate relative to each other, transitioning from a standard seating configuration to a rear-facing configuration when the tailgate is open, providing adaptability without requiring multiple separate seat structures
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly serves multiple functions: it provides normal forward-facing seating during vehicle operation, transforms to rearward-facing seating when the tailgate is open for tailgating activities, and can be stored on the tailgate when not in use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated tailgate seats
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transformable seat mechanism with pivotable panels is added, then seating versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex transformation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is divided into separable components: a bracket assembly that pivots, first and second seat panels that can rotate relative to each other, and a guide assembly with roller and spring-biased supports. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall transformation process more manageable and easier to operate
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat assembly includes pivotable panels and guide mechanisms, then seating flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly incorporates spring-biased supports that automatically engage with the track assemblies to guide and support the seat assembly during transformation. The spring mechanism provides self-adjusting support without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining smooth operation
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
Enables seamless transformation between seating configurations, providing flexible seating options while maintaining a compact storage solution, enhancing passenger convenience and vehicle utility.
Implementation Method 1
the guide comprises a roller and one or more spring biased supports, wherein the roller rolls within the track
Implementation Method 2
the guide comprises a roller and one or more spring biased supports
Implementation Method 3
a bracket that allows the first and second seat panels to pivot between the forward facing seat position and a rearward facing seat position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a cabin interior, a floor, and a tailgate at the rear end of the cabin interior, wherein at least a portion of the tailgate pivots between a vertical closed position and a horizontal open position. The vehicle has a first seat track assembly is supported on the floor in the cabin interior, a second seat track assembly supported on the tailgate, and a seat assembly. The seat assembly including a first seat panel, a second seat panel, a bracket that allows the first seat panel and the second seat panel to pivot between a forward facing position and a rearward facing position, and a guide supporting the bracket on one of the first and second seat track assemblies, wherein the seat assembly may slide rearward along the first seat track assembly onto the second seat track assembly when the tailgate is in the open position.