Remote-Controlled Vehicle Seatback Reconfiguration Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seating arrangements lack efficient reconfiguration options, limiting their adaptability for various uses within a vehicle cabin.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating arrangement featuring pivotable seatbacks with remote control actuation, utilizing linkage assemblies and lock actuators to transition seatbacks between use and forward-dumped positions, allowing for flexible seating configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual reconfiguration of seating assemblies is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in reconfiguring seat positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reconfiguration with an automated control system. Remote controls transmit signals to actuators that automatically adjust seat positions, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of mechanical linkages and lock assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces remote controls as intermediary devices between the user and the seating assemblies. The remote controls transmit signals through a control system that operates the actuators, providing indirect but precise control over seat reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed seating arrangements are used, then device complexity is minimized, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate various uses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed seating assemblies into dynamic, adjustable configurations. Each seating assembly can be independently reconfigured between multiple positions (seated, reclined, stowed) through actuators that respond to control signals, enabling adaptation to different vehicle uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the seating system into independent, controllable segments. Each seating assembly has its own actuator and control capabilities, allowing individual adjustment without affecting other seats. This segmentation enables versatile reconfiguration for different passenger needs and vehicle purposes.
3Ease of operation
If remote control actuation is implemented, then ease of operation is improved through simplified control, but device complexity increases due to addition of actuators and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical operations with electronic control and actuation. Remote controls send electrical signals to actuators that automatically perform the mechanical work of reconfiguring seats, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate linkages and lock mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the seating assemblies automatically reconfigure themselves in response to control signals. The actuators and control system work together to autonomously adjust seat positions without requiring manual intervention in the mechanical reconfiguration process.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating arrangement includes a first seating assembly, a second seating assembly, and a third seating assembly. The second seating assembly is adjacent to the first seating assembly. Each of the first, second, and third seating assemblies include a seat and a seatback. The seatbacks are pivotably coupled to their respective seats such that the seatbacks are each pivotable between a use position and a forward-dumped position. A remote control is positioned on at least one of the first seating assembly, the second seating assembly, and the third seating assembly. Actuation of the remote control in a first direction transitions the seatback of the first seating assembly toward the forward-dumped position. Actuation of the remote control in a second direction transitions the seatback of at least one of the second and third seating assemblies toward the forward-dumped position.