Rotatable Front RV Seats With Upholstery Extensions for Space Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Motorhomes face space constraints and layout restrictions due to the large footprint of rotatable seats and tables, as well as the need for additional storage when converting seating arrangements for residential use, particularly affecting the side door arrangement.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating adjustable seat devices with upholstery extensions that can be rearranged for different positions, including inflatable and foldable designs, to create versatile seating configurations such as couches, beds, and shelves, allowing for improved space utilization and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rotatable seats and tables are arranged in the front area for driving and residential use, then the seats can face forwards or backwards for versatile use, but the space required in plan view becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating position flexibilityVSAvoidfloor space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The seat device is designed to be rotatable, allowing it to dynamically change orientation between driving position (facing forward) and rest position (facing backward or at an angle). This dynamic capability enables the same physical space to serve multiple functions without requiring separate fixed seating arrangements for different uses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seat device serves multiple functions: it provides seating during driving, can be rotated to face backward for residential use, and can accommodate various upholstery extensions for different configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated spaces for different activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fold-down bed is arranged above a front seat, then additional sleeping space is provided, but additional storage space is required when the seating arrangement is used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating and sleeping functionalityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The upholstery extension is designed to be movable and removable, allowing it to be attached when bed functionality is needed and removed or folded away when seating is required. This dynamic configuration eliminates the need for permanent storage spaces for the extension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The upholstery extension can be stored within or alongside the seat device structure itself when not in use, nesting the extension within the existing seat volume rather than requiring separate storage compartments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If side bolsters are provided on the seat surface for safety during driving, then lateral support and predetermined seating position are ensured, but they interfere with use when a flat surface is desired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety during drivingVSAvoidsurface flatness for residential use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The side bolsters are designed as removable or foldable components that can be positioned during driving to provide safety and lateral support, then removed or folded flat when a completely flat surface is needed for residential or sleeping purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seat upholstery is divided into separate functional elements: the base seat surface and the side bolsters. This segmentation allows the bolsters to be independently adjusted or removed without affecting the underlying seat structure, enabling transition between driving and residential configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the seat device is made rotatable for versatile positioning, then seating can face multiple directions, but the layout restrictions associated with side door arrangement increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating orientationVSAvoidlayout arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable seat device provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the seat to be oriented toward the side door when needed for easy access during residential use, or rotated to face forward for driving. This eliminates fixed layout restrictions by enabling the seat to adapt to different door positions and access requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240343176A1Recreational vehicle with at least one changeable seat device in the front area

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 HYMER GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A recreational vehicle has at least one seat device in the front region, which can be arranged in a driving position for driving the recreational vehicle and in at least one rest position different from the driving position. At least one upholstery extension is provided and the upholstery extension is designed in such a way that it fits into the at least one seat device at least in the rest position.