Removable Vehicle Seat with ROPS Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

In off-road utility vehicles, the permanently installed transversely oriented rear seat occupies valuable cargo space, limiting the amount of cargo that can be stored and hauled.

Innovation Solution

A removable vehicle seat with a roll over protection system (ROPS) that includes a longitudinally oriented seat back assembly and clamps, allowing the seat to be easily installed and removed, thereby maximizing cargo space when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rear seat is permanently installed in the vehicle, then occupants can be seated, but cargo area space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating capabilityVSAvoidcargo area space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The seat is divided into separable components that can be detached from the vehicle. The seat bottom, seat back, and support structures are designed as modular units that can be independently removed, allowing the cargo area to be fully accessed when seating is not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seat transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic removable component. The quick-release mechanism enables the seat to change its state between installed and removed, adapting the vehicle's configuration based on whether passenger or cargo transport is the priority.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a rear seat is permanently installed in the vehicle, then seating is provided, but the seat occupies valuable cargo area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating provisionVSAvoidcargo space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The seat is extracted from the permanent vehicle structure and designed as a removable accessory. The quick-release mechanism allows the seat to be easily taken out when cargo space is needed, while remaining available for installation when seating is required, thus separating the seating function from the permanent vehicle structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of stationary object

If a removable seat mechanism is implemented, then cargo space is maximized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo spaceVSAvoidseat mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The quick-release mechanism is designed to be operated manually by the user without requiring tools or complex procedures. The lever-based release system allows the seat to be removed or installed through simple hand operations, keeping the mechanism straightforward while enabling full cargo space access when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11377001B2Removable rear vehicle seat

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 MAHINDRA N A TECH CENT

AI summary

A removable seat for a vehicle that includes a roll over protection system. The seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back assembly. The seat bottom adapted to be removably coupled to the vehicle. The seat back assembly is spaced apart from the seat bottom and adapted to be fixed by a bracket or removably coupled to first and second posts of the roll over protection system. The seat back assembly includes a seat back, a beam and saddles. The seat back is longitudinally oriented and parallel to a forward direction of vehicle travel. The beam includes a tube, a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket being fixed to a first end of the tube and the second bracket being fixed to a second end of the tube. The saddles fixing the tube to the seat back and includes a curved portion fixed to the tube.