Removable Tablet Tray for Vehicle Seat Backrest

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle seats with integrated tablets are permanently connected, limiting their usability and functionality beyond the seat's storage location.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat design featuring a tablet affixed to the backrest with a pressure-actuated locking mechanism, allowing for quick and effortless detachment and reattachment, enabling the tablet to be used independently and in various positions within the vehicle or outside.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the tablet is permanently connected to the seat, then the tablet is securely held in position, but the tablet cannot be removed or used at different locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetablet usability locationVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into a locking mechanism integrated in the backrest and a separate actuating member accessible from outside. This allows the tablet to be securely held when mounted while enabling easy removal through actuation, resolving the contradiction between secure positioning and removable usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An actuating member serves as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. This mediator allows the user to release the tablet without directly interacting with the complex locking mechanism, simplifying the user interface while maintaining secure mounting when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a locking mechanism is provided to hold the tablet, then the tablet can be securely mounted, but the release time and operation become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetablet release operationVSAvoidtablet release time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed with stops that are pre-positioned to engage with the tablet upon insertion. This preliminary positioning ensures that once the tablet is inserted, it is automatically secured without requiring additional adjustment or time, enabling quick release when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism automatically engages and secures the tablet without requiring user intervention for positioning. The stops self-align and engage with the tablet, reducing the operational steps needed for mounting and enabling rapid release through simple actuation of the actuating member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the tablet is permanently affixed to the backrest, then the mounting structure is simplified, but the tablet cannot be detached or repositioned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetablet repositionabilityVSAvoidmounting system manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable connection. The locking mechanism with actuating member allows the tablet to be securely mounted during use and easily removed when needed, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process compared to permanently integrated designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2780194B1Vehicle seat provided with a removable tray
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 RENAULT SA
  • EP2780194B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2780194B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2780194B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat part (2) and a foldable seatback (3) comprising a rear face (8) provided with a tray (9), the seatback (3) being capable of being folded onto the seat part (2) in such a way as to bring the rear face thereof into a substantially horizontal position. The main technical feature of a seat according to the invention is that the tray (9) is affixed against the rear face of the seatback (3) and is held against said face by means of a locking mechanism provided with an actuating member (20), and a pressure exerted on said actuating member (20) releases the tray (9) such that said tray can be removed from the seatback (3).