Rotatable Vehicle Seat Handle for Passenger Space Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Public transport vehicle seats with handles face design constraints due to varying configurations and heights, requiring adaptable handles that do not hinder passenger movement.

Innovation Solution

A seat design with a handle that can be fixed in two configurations, allowing the gripping portion to extend vertically upward or downward, enabling attachment to the backrest without needing multiple fixing locations, and allowing rotation and translation for adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handle is arranged on one side of the backrest to be accessible to passengers, then passengers can use the seat for support, but the handle forms a projection that hinders the movement of passengers close to the seat

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle accessibilityVSAvoidobstruction to passenger movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is made rotatable about an axis extending from the backrest, allowing it to dynamically change its angular position. This enables the handle to be rotated out of the way when not in use, eliminating the obstruction to passenger movement while remaining accessible when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the handle is designed to be accessible to standing passengers, then it provides support functionality, but it creates constraints on sizing and positioning that must minimize inconvenience to other passengers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle accessibilityVSAvoidadaptability to different vehicle configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable handle can be positioned at different angles to adapt to various vehicle floor configurations and passenger needs, providing versatility across different seating arrangements and vehicle types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single handle design serves multiple functions: providing support for standing passengers, allowing rotation to clear passage ways, and adapting to different vehicle configurations through its rotatable mechanism and adjustable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixing locations are provided on the backrest for the handle, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different heightsVSAvoidnumber of fixing locations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing multiple static fixing locations, the invention uses a single fixing location with a rotatable handle that can dynamically adjust its position. This reduces structural complexity while maintaining adaptability through motion rather than through multiple attachment points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4173891A1Seat for a vehicle and public transport vehicle comprising such a seat
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 SPEEDINNOV
  • EP4173891A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4173891A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4173891A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle seat, comprising a seat (40), a backrest (45) and a handle (50). The handle (50) and the backrest (45) are configured to attach the handle (50) to the backrest (45) in a first configuration and in a second configuration, the handle (50) having an attachment portion (70) and a gripping portion (75), the attachment portion (70) being suitable for attaching the handle (50) to the backrest (45) in the first configuration and in the second configuration, the gripping portion (75) extending vertically upwards from the attachment portion (70) between a first end (80) attached to the attachment portion (70) and a second end (85) in the first configuration, and extending vertically downwards from the attachment portion (70) in the second configuration, the handle (50) being configured so that a person grips the handle (50) in each configuration.