Utility Vehicle Seat Back Frame Swinging Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility vehicles face challenges in expanding cargo space efficiently due to complex seat structures that compromise manufacturing costs and seat comfort, with issues of seat back overlap and non-flat expansion surfaces when converting to cargo mode.
Innovation Solution
A utility vehicle design featuring a single-row seat device with a seat back frame that swings between upright and horizontal positions, creating an expansion floor by overlapping with the seat bottom, and a seat back main body that hangs forward, allowing for a flat and expandable cargo space without compromising seat comfort or increasing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the seat back is swung to the lowered position to expand cargo space, then the cargo space is expanded, but the seat back strongly presses against the seat bottom and the flatness of the cargo floor is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back is divided into two independent parts: the seat back frame and the seat back main body. The frame swings horizontally to expand cargo space while the main body hangs vertically, preventing contact with the seat bottom and ensuring floor flatness.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat back main body is moved from the horizontal plane to the vertical dimension by allowing it to hang down from the frame. This dimensional transition eliminates interference with the cargo floor while maintaining cargo space expansion.
2Volume of moving object
If the seat back and seat bottom are separate members with the seat back swinging to horizontal orientation, then the cargo space is expanded, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back frame and seat back main body are combined into a single integrated assembly that performs both seating and cargo expansion functions. This unified structure reduces component count and simplifies manufacturing compared to completely separate members.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat back assembly serves dual purposes: providing seating support when upright and expanding cargo space when swung horizontal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structures for seating and cargo expansion.
3Volume of moving object
If the seat backs are completely separate, then the cargo space is expanded, but it is difficult to correct the positional relationship between seat backs resulting in deteriorated seat comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back is segmented into frame and main body that maintain a fixed relative position through their connection structure. This ensures proper alignment and comfort when the seat is in use while allowing cargo expansion when folded.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle includes a cargo box and a seat device located on the front side of the cargo box. The seat device includes a seat bottom and a seat back that includes a first lateral swinging shaft that extends in a lateral direction, a seat back frame that swings about the first lateral swinging shaft between an upright position and a horizontal position at which the seat back frame overlaps with the seat bottom, and a seat back main body that is attached to the seat back frame. The seat back frame in the horizontal position defines an expansion floor by which the floor of the cargo box is expanded in a forward direction. The seat back main body swings to a hanging orientation with respect to the seat back frame in the horizontal position and is located in front of the seat bottom.