Rotatable Vehicle Seats with Multi-Use Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seating is fixed and inflexible, limiting adaptability in passenger vehicles, especially in autonomous vehicles where dynamic seating arrangements may enhance passenger experience and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating system with rotatable seats and a multi-use display device that can transition between horizontal table and vertical screen orientations, mounted on tracks, allowing passengers to reconfigure seating and display settings for optimal use and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If seats are fixed in forward facing rows, then seating structure is simple and stable, but adaptability and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic seating arrangements by mounting seats on tracks that allow movement along the vehicle's longitudinal axis. Each seat can be independently positioned and rotated along its track, transitioning between forward-facing and rearward-facing orientations. This dynamic configuration enables multiple seating patterns (theater style, lounge style, meeting style) without requiring complex mechanical linkages between seats, thus achieving adaptability while controlling overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating system is segmented into independent modular units, each seat being individually mounted on its own track. This segmentation allows each seat to be independently controlled, positioned, and oriented without affecting other seats. The track system itself is segmented into multiple sections, enabling flexible configuration. This modular approach achieves high adaptability while keeping individual components relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If display device is fixed in one orientation, then device structure is simple, but functionality and user interaction are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is designed as a multi-functional unit that can operate in at least two distinct modes: horizontal table orientation for activities like dining, working, or playing games, and vertical screen orientation for entertainment, information display, or communication. The same physical display unit transforms between these functions through rotation, eliminating the need for separate devices for each function and achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device incorporates dynamic orientation capability, allowing it to rotate between horizontal and vertical positions. This dynamic transformation is achieved through a rotation mechanism that enables the display to adapt its orientation based on the desired function and passenger needs. The dynamic nature of the display orientation system allows a single device to fulfill multiple functional requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If seats are individually mounted on tracks, then seating flexibility is improved, but system complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seating system incorporates self-service capabilities where passengers can directly control their own seat positioning and orientation through user-friendly interfaces. Each seat likely has its own control panel or can be controlled through a central system that responds to simple passenger inputs. This self-service approach simplifies operation by allowing passengers to make adjustments independently without requiring complex centralized control or assistance from crew members.
Solution Approach 2:
The system likely incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information to passengers about seat positions, available configurations, and system status. This feedback enables passengers to make informed decisions about seating arrangements and simplifies control by guiding users through the reconfiguration process. The feedback loop between the control system and user interface reduces the perceived complexity of operating the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle seating system including at least two seats individually mounted to an outer track. The vehicle seating system may include a display device selectively positionable in one of a horizontal table orientation and a vertical screen orientation. The display device mounted to at least one inner track that is at least partially enclosed by the outer track. The vehicle seating system includes a controller configured to transition the seats and the display device among at least two preconfigured arrangements.