Motor-Linkage Seat Portion Adjuster for Compact Leg Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat assemblies lack efficient mechanisms for adjusting the position of seat portions, such as calf rests, to accommodate different user needs and vehicle configurations, leading to limited flexibility and compatibility with various seat designs.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a seat portion adjuster system that includes a bracket, motor, and linkage mechanism, allowing the seat portion to move between retracted, extended, and intermediate positions, controlled by an actuator and electronic controller, enabling compact and versatile deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a seat portion adjuster mechanism is added to enable position adjustment, then adaptability and user comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjuster mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a motor assembly for power generation, a linkage system with multiple levers (first through fourth levers) for motion transmission, and a seat portion for adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by distributing complexity across modular elements rather than requiring a monolithic complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat portion is designed to be dynamically adjustable between multiple positions including retracted, extended, and intermediate positions. The linkage mechanism enables continuous motion rather than fixed discrete positions, allowing the seat to adapt dynamically to different user needs and vehicle configurations, thereby improving adaptability without requiring multiple separate mechanisms for each position.
2Ease of operation
If a linkage mechanism with multiple levers is used to control seat portion movement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated motor-driven linkage mechanism. The motor assembly electronically controls the seat portion movement, substituting complex manual manipulation of multiple levers with a simple electronic control interface. This reduces the operational complexity from the user perspective while the linkage mechanism handles the mechanical complexity internally through coordinated lever movement.
3Volume of moving object
If the seat portion adjuster is designed for compact deployment, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage components are designed to nest within each other when the seat portion is in the retracted position. The first through fourth levers can be positioned in nested configurations that minimize the overall volume occupied by the adjuster mechanism. This nesting approach allows the complex multi-lever mechanism to achieve a compact footprint without requiring simplified fewer-component designs, thereby maintaining manufacturability while reducing space requirements.
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 system provides enhanced user comfort by allowing adjustable positions, increased support for occupants, and compatibility with a wider range of seat designs, while maintaining a compact footprint.
Implementation Method 1
a motor operably coupled to the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly, comprising: a seat base; a seat portion movably coupled to the seat base; and a seat portion adjuster coupled to the seat base and the seat portion, the seat portion adjuster including: a bracket connected to the seat base; a motor operably coupled to the bracket; and a linkage coupled to the seat portion, the bracket, and the motor.