Multi-Pivot Seat Assembly for Zero-Gravity Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats do not adequately accommodate different seating positions, such as a 'design position' and a 'zero-gravity position', failing to provide optimal comfort and support for various occupant sizes and reducing stress on the spine and pelvis.
Innovation Solution
A modular seat assembly with adjustable components, including a seat, track assembly, and seat adjuster, allowing for movement and adjustment of the seat, seatback, headrest, and calf rest to transition between a 'design position' and a 'zero-gravity position', optimizing occupant comfort and reducing fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing vehicle seats are designed for a fixed design position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different seating positions and occupant sizes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is divided into multiple independently adjustable segments: seat bottom, seatback, headrest, and calf rest. Each segment can be adjusted separately to achieve different seating positions, allowing the system to accommodate various occupant sizes and preferences without requiring a completely redesigned seat structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic multi-position system. Motors and pivot axes enable each seat component to move and adjust to different angles and positions, allowing the seat to adapt between design position, zero-gravity position, and intermediate positions based on occupant needs.
2Ease of operation
If the seat is designed with multiple adjustment components for zero-gravity position, then comfort and spinal support are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions are merged into an integrated system where motors, pivot axes, and control mechanisms work together as a unified assembly. The seat bottom, seatback, headrest, and calf rest adjustments are coordinated through a common control system, reducing the perceived complexity for the occupant while maintaining comprehensive adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment system is designed to provide multiple functions through a unified mechanism. The same motors and pivot axes that adjust the seat bottom position also control seatback angle, headrest height, and calf rest position, allowing a single system to deliver comprehensive comfort adjustments without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat components are made adjustable and movable, then adaptability to different positions is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seat system pre-positions components at optimized locations for different seating modes. Motors and actuators are pre-configured to move components to predetermined angles and positions (such as the zero-gravity position) that have been designed to provide both comfort and structural stability, eliminating the need for continuous adjustment while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot axes and connection joints are designed as robust, wear-resistant components that maintain structural integrity through repeated adjustment cycles. These components are engineered to provide stable, lockable positions that ensure structural stability once adjusted, while allowing easy repositioning when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly comprises a seat adjuster; and a seat including: a seat bottom connectable to a track assembly; a seatback pivotably connected to the seat bottom; a calf rest pivotably connected to the seat bottom; and a headrest pivotably connected to the seatback. The seat adjuster includes one or more motors and is connected to the seat to adjust the seat to a first seat position and to a second seat position via adjusting the seatback, the calf rest, and the headrest about a plurality of pivot axes.