Rotating Seat-Back Display Assembly for Hidden In-Car Entertainment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle manufacturers face challenges in designing entertainment systems for vehicles that balance packaging constraints and aesthetic quality while providing functional audio and visual components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat assembly with a rotatable display screen arrangement that moves between a stowed position within the seat back cavity and a use position outside, covering a speaker arrangement to maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance when not in use, utilizing hinges and a latch system for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display screen arrangement is permanently mounted in the seat back, then the aesthetic quality is maintained, but the accessibility and usability of the entertainment system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen arrangement is designed to be rotatable between a stowed position (flush with seat back surface) and a use position (extended outward), transforming from a static to a dynamic configuration. This allows the seat back to maintain its aesthetic appearance when the display is not in use while providing easy accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen arrangement is nested within the seat back cavity when in the stowed position, with the speaker arrangement positioned behind the cavity to be covered by the display screen arrangement. This nesting approach allows compact integration of multiple components while maintaining a clean exterior appearance.
2Ease of operation
If the speaker arrangement is exposed, then the audio functionality is accessible, but the aesthetic quality of the seat back is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker arrangement is positioned behind the cavity in the seat back such that it is covered by the display screen arrangement when in the stowed position. This nested configuration hides the speaker components while maintaining aesthetic appearance, yet allows audio functionality to be accessible when the display is rotated to the use position.
3Ease of operation
If the display screen arrangement is made rotatable, then the accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single mechanical assembly: it provides the rotational movement between stowed and use positions, supports the weight of the display screen arrangement, and includes a latch mechanism for secure positioning. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically urges the display screen arrangement between the stowed and use positions, providing self-powered movement without requiring external motors or actuators. The latch mechanism automatically engages to hold the display in the desired position, eliminating the need for complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat assembly has an entertainment system, and includes a seat back having a cavity disposed therein. A display screen arrangement is rotatably attached to the seat back and is movable between a first position wherein the display screen arrangement is disposed within the cavity in the seat back and a second position wherein the display screen arrangement is disposed outside of the cavity in the seat back. A speaker arrangement is in electrical communication with the display screen arrangement and disposed behind the cavity in the seat back such that the speaker arrangement is covered by the display screen arrangement when the display screen arrangement is in the first position.