Retractable Vehicle Seat With Automatic Translation Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat systems do not efficiently reduce seat size for storage, making it difficult to load and maneuver the vehicle, and lack ergonomic adjustments for user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A retractable seat system with a translation-locking device and rotation-locking device, allowing the seat to pivot and slide into a housing, utilizing a control system to automatically switch between active and inactive states for seamless transition between in-use and storage positions, reducing the need for user intervention and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the seat is retracted into the floor housing, then the vehicle size is reduced and loading is easier, but the seat cannot be adjusted in the sliding direction
Solution Approach 1:
The seat system employs dynamic locking mechanisms that allow the seat to be adjustable when in use (translation-locking device in inactive state) and fixed when retracted (translation-locking device in active state). This dynamic behavior enables the seat to provide both adaptability during operation and compact storage when not needed, resolving the contradiction between vehicle size reduction and seat adjustment capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the translation-locking device is always active to maintain seat position, then the seat positioning is precise, but the seat cannot slide for adjustment or retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The translation-locking device operates periodically, switching between active (locked) and inactive (unlocked) states based on the seat's operational phase. During normal use, the device remains inactive allowing adjustment; during retraction, it activates to maintain precise positioning. This periodic activation pattern resolves the contradiction between positioning accuracy and adjustability.
3Ease of operation
If the seat back forms an obtuse angle for ergonomic use, then user comfort is improved, but the seat occupies more space during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is segmented into the seat proper and the seat back, which can move independently relative to each other. During storage, the seat back folds down against the seat proper, reducing the overall storage volume. During use, the seat back can be positioned at an ergonomic obtuse angle. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both ergonomic comfort and compact storage.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual manipulation is required to position the seat precisely, then positioning accuracy is achieved, but user complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically manages the translation-locking device based on the seat's position and operational state. The system self-regulates by activating the locking device when the seat approaches its storage position and deactivating it when adjustment is needed, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation while maintaining precise positioning accuracy.
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 seat system effectively reduces the vehicle's overall size, enhances ergonomics by allowing easy loading and movement, and ensures consistent storage positioning without complex user manipulation, while minimizing wear and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a runner (22) fitted with a translation-locking device (28), said runner comprising a stationary rail (24) and a moving rail (26) adapted to slide relative to each other in a sliding direction when the translation-locking device is in an inactive state
Implementation Method 2
the seat can reach the determined position by sliding along the longitudinal direction under the action of gravity
Implementation Method 3
the runner is pivotally mounted on the floor about an axis of rotation extending transversely to the sliding direction
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is disclosed compi isingi a floor; a seat presenting an in-use position and a storage position; a runnet extending along a sliding direction, the tunnet being mounted to turn on the floor about an axis of rotation extending transversely to the sliding direction; and a translation-locking device having an active state and inactive state. The vehicle ftrrther comprises a rotation-locking device having an active state and an inactive state; and a control system for automatically placing the translation-locking device in its inactive state during at least a portion of the displacement of the seat between the in-use position and the storage position.