Vehicle Seat Assembly for Zero-Gravity Hip-Point Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat assemblies for vehicles do not effectively accommodate different user positions, such as the design position and zero-gravity position, which can lead to discomfort and reduced safety due to inconsistent hip point positioning relative to the seat and safety devices.
Innovation Solution
A modular seat assembly with a track system and adjustable components, including a seat bottom with angled sections, a pivotable seatback, and a headrest, which can be adjusted via motors to accommodate different seat positions, maintaining the hip point's relative position across various settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seatback and seat bottom are adjusted to accommodate different user positions (design position and zero-gravity position), then user comfort is improved, but the hip point position becomes inconsistent relative to safety devices
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the seatback and seat bottom to move relative to each other. The seatback can be adjusted to different angles while the seat bottom maintains a fixed position relative to the safety devices, enabling the system to adapt between design position and zero-gravity position while preserving consistent hip point alignment for safety operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the seat assembly is designed with fixed geometry, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot accommodate different user positions effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is divided into separate adjustable components: a seatback with adjustable angle and a seat bottom with fixed geometry. This segmentation allows the seat bottom to maintain simple, consistent manufacturing while the seatback provides the necessary adaptability through angular adjustment to accommodate both design position and zero-gravity position requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the seatback angle is adjusted significantly for zero-gravity position, then user comfort is enhanced, but the overall seat structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is designed with dynamic adjustment capability allowing significant angular changes to achieve zero-gravity position for enhanced comfort. This is accomplished through a mechanical adjustment system that enables the seatback to pivot relative to the fixed seat bottom, providing the necessary range of motion without requiring complete redesign of the entire seat structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly comprises a seat adjuster and a seat including: a seat bottom including: a first seat bottom portion; and a second seat bottom portion pivotably connected to the first seat bottom portion; and a seatback pivotably connected to the first seat bottom portion. The seatback is adjustable about a first pivot axis to a first seatback position and to a second seatback position via the seat adjuster. The seatback is disposed in the second seatback position and the second seat bottom portion is disposed in the raised position when the seat is in a second seat position. A hip point of a user is in substantially the same position relative to the first seat bottom portion when the seat is in the first seat position and when the seat is in the second seat position.