Reconfigurable Vehicle Seat Layout With Rotating Backrest

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat arrangements require manual disassembly and reassembly for changing the facing setup, which is time-consuming and lacks ergonomic adaptability for both forward and rearward configurations.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat arrangement that allows the seat back and seat cushion to be independently adjusted between forward and rearward facing setups without disassembly, using a seat back rotation axle and separate mounting systems for enhanced stability and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the seat back and seat cushion are integrated as a single unit, then the structure is simpler, but the ergonomic adaptability for forward and rearward configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidergonomic adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the seat into separate components: a seat back (3) and a seat cushion (4) that can be independently positioned. The seat back can be rotated between forward and rearward facing setups while the seat cushion remains fixed or is independently adjustable, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function in both orientations without requiring the entire seat to be disassembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If manual disassembly and reassembly is required for changing seat facing setup, then the mechanism is simpler, but the time consumption and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the seat back (3) can be rotated between forward and rearward facing setups using a rotation axle, allowing the seat configuration to change without disassembly. This dynamic system enables quick reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between mechanism simplicity and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the seat cushion is fixed in position, then the mounting system is simpler, but the operational flexibility for different configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting system simplicityVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the adjustment functions: the seat back (3) is made movable via rotation axle for facing setup changes, while the seat cushion (4) remains fixed or is independently adjustable. This segmentation allows the mounting system to remain simple with the cushion fixed, while operational flexibility is maintained through the independent seat back rotation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3778296B1A vehicle seat arrangement
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RES & DEV CO LTD
  • EP3778296B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3778296B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3778296B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle seat arrangement (1) comprising a vehicle seat (2) arranged to be adjusted between a forward facing setup and a rearward facing setup and a seat back rotation axle (5). A seat back (3) is rotatable around a seat back rotation axle (5) between a forward facing seat back setup and a rearward facing seat back setup. The seat cushion (4) is arranged to be adjusted between a forward facing seat cushion setup and a rearward facing seat cushion setup. The seat back rotation axle (5) may be arranged to be fixed in location and the seat cushion (4) may be arranged to be displaceable horizontally or the seat back rotation axle (5) may be arranged to be displaceable horizontally and the seat cushion (4) may be arranged to be fixed in location.