Removable Vehicle Seat with Frame-Mounted Presence Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wheeled straddle-seat vehicles lack an effective system to detect the presence or absence of a passenger while allowing for the removal and replacement of vehicle seats, which is necessary for customizable operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with a frame-mounted passenger presence sensor and a removably connected seat assembly, featuring a rigid passenger presence responsive member (PPRM) that moves between positions in response to passenger weight, activating the sensor to control vehicle operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passenger seat sensor is mounted in the passenger seat to detect passenger presence, then the detection function is achieved, but the seat cannot be easily removed or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The passenger presence detection system is segmented into two independent parts: a frame-mounted sensor and a seat-mounted responsive member. This allows the seat to be removed without affecting the sensor, resolving the contradiction between maintaining detection reliability and enabling easy seat replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
A rigid passenger presence responsive member (PPRM) serves as an intermediary between the seat cushion and the frame-mounted sensor. The PPRM transfers the mechanical effect of passenger weight to the sensor through the seat base opening, enabling detection without requiring the sensor to be mounted in the removable seat.
2Ease of operation
If the passenger presence sensor is mounted on the frame, then the seat can be removed and replaced, but the detection system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid PPRM serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element within the seat cushion, a mechanical link to transmit passenger weight, and a coupling interface with the frame-mounted sensor. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the distributed sensor arrangement.
3Reliability
If the PPRM is retained in the passenger seat, then it moves with passenger weight, but it may become dislodged during seat removal
Solution Approach 1:
The PPRM is positioned to extend through the seat base opening to a degree that ensures continuous engagement with the frame-mounted sensor regardless of minor variations in seat installation position. This equipotential positioning ensures reliable detection while allowing easy seat removal and reinstallation.
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 the vehicle to adjust its operation based on passenger presence while allowing for easy seat removal and replacement, enhancing customization and maintenance accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The passenger seat cushion is resiliently compressible responsive to the weight of the passenger seated thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a frame, a passenger presence sensor mounted thereto, and a seat assembly removably connected to. The seat assembly includes a driver seat disposed on the frame and a passenger seat disposed on the frame rearward of the 5 driver seat, at least the passenger seat being selectively disposed on the frame. A rigid passenger presence responsive member (PPRM) is retained in the passenger seat and movable with respect to the frame between at least a first position and a second position responsive to a weight of a passenger seated on the passenger seat. The PPRM is coupled to the passenger presence sensor in at least one of the first and 10 second positions, the passenger presence sensor is thereby configured to detect a presence of the passenger. Removable passenger seats for a vehicle are also disclosed.