Retractable Seat Grab Handle for Off-Road Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional grab handles in vehicles are bulky and occupy significant interior space, which is a concern for off-road vehicles where space efficiency is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A retractable handle system integrated into the seat trim, featuring an elongate flexible body with fixed ends and stretchable members, allowing the handle to be retracted and deployed, minimizing cabin space usage while providing a sturdy and easily accessible grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional grab handles are installed in the vehicle, then passengers can easily grab them during travel, but they occupy significant interior space within the cabin
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable handle is nested within a handle slot defined in the seat coverstock. When not in use, the handle is retracted into the slot, making it invisible and occupying minimal space. When needed, it can be pulled out for use, providing on-demand access without permanent space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle transitions from a static, permanently visible traditional grab handle to a dynamic, retractable handle that can change its state between retracted (hidden) and deployed (visible) positions. This dynamic characteristic allows the handle to adapt to different usage scenarios, providing ease of operation when needed while minimizing space occupation when not in use.
2Volume of moving object
If a retractable handle mechanism is implemented, then cabin space is minimized, but the mechanism becomes more complex with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The handle incorporates a flexible webbing material that can bend and flex as it extends from and retracts into the handle slot. This flexible material simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for complex rigid linkages, joints, and mounting structures, achieving space efficiency with minimal mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle system is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring motors, sensors, or automated control systems. The user simply pulls the handle out when needed and releases it to retract, making the system self-service and mechanically simple while still achieving the space-saving retractable function.
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
The retractable handle system optimizes space usage while ensuring a reliable and comfortable grip during travel over rough terrain, maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
first and second stretchable members operably coupled with the first and second ends, respectively, and configured to draw down a portion of the elongate flexible body
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a frame and a seat that includes a cushion and a cushion cover. The seat defines a handle slot. A retractable handle is disposed in the handle slot and is operable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The retractable handle includes an elongate flexible body having first and second ends fixedly coupled with the frame, and first and second stretchable members operably coupled with the first and second ends, respectively, and configured to draw down a portion of the elongate flexible body. A graspable webbing is disposed between the first and second stretchable members, wherein the graspable webbing is configured to be grabbed by a user and drawn away from the frame which stretches the first and second stretchable members.