Removable Armrest Booster Seat Conversion Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat assemblies lack a versatile and safe solution for converting an armrest into a booster seat, which is essential for securing small children, as they do not provide a straightforward mechanism for transformation and safety integration with the seatbelt system.

Innovation Solution

A seat assembly with a removable armrest that can be moved between closed, open, and release positions, featuring a release mechanism with pivot and guide pins, allowing the armrest to be decoupled from the seatback and function as a booster seat, ensuring secure child seating with the vehicle's seatbelt.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the armrest is made removable to function as a booster seat, then versatility and child safety are improved, but device complexity increases due to the release mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearmrest functionalityVSAvoidrelease mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest is segmented from the seatback through a removable coupling mechanism, allowing the armrest to function independently as a booster seat while maintaining its integrated function when coupled. This segmentation enables dual functionality without requiring complete redesign of the seat structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The armrest is designed to serve multiple functions: as an integrated armrest when coupled to the seatback and as a standalone booster seat when removed. The coupling mechanism and seatbelt integration enable this universal functionality, allowing one component to fulfill multiple safety and comfort roles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the armrest is made removable for booster seat use, then child safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the decoupling process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechild safetyVSAvoidarmrest removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the armrest structure, with the release button and disengaging features integrated into the armrest itself. This allows the user to easily operate the removal mechanism without requiring tools or complex procedures, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the armrest includes a seatbelt anchor for booster seat use, then child safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseatbelt integrationVSAvoidanchor mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seatbelt anchor mechanism is merged with the existing coupling mechanism between the armrest and seatback. The same button that releases the armrest from the seatback also activates the seatbelt anchor, combining multiple safety functions into a single integrated system. This reduces overall complexity while improving child safety through proper seatbelt integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9616787B2Seat assembly

Publication Date: 2017.04.11 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A seat assembly includes a seat base and a seatback disposed proximal to the seat base. The seatback includes a seatback body and an armrest movably coupled to the seatback body. As such, the armrest can move relative to the seatback body among a closed position, a release position, and an open position. The armrest is removably coupled to the seatback body. Therefore, the armrest can be removed from the seatback body only when the armrest is in the release position.