Vehicle Seat Back Adjustable Platform Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers face challenges in maximizing useful space within vehicles for storage or workspace due to limited available space in passenger compartments, especially with varying vehicle seat configurations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with an adjustable platform assembly that includes a support mechanism allowing the platform to move between multiple use positions when the seat back is folded, including stowed, table, upright, flip-up, and extended storage positions, utilizing detachable members and linkages to optimize space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the seat back is kept in an upright position to maintain seating function, then passenger seating is provided, but available space for storage or workspace in the passenger compartment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back is made dynamically reconfigurable between upright and folded positions, allowing the system to adapt between seating mode and cargo/workspace mode. This dynamic transformation enables the same structure to serve multiple functions at different times, resolving the contradiction between maintaining seating function and maximizing available space.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly is divided into separable components including the seat back, cushion, and platform. When the seat back is folded, these segments can be rearranged to create additional workspace or storage configurations, thereby increasing available space while preserving the ability to reassemble for seating function.
2Area of stationary object
If a fixed platform is provided to create workspace or storage, then useful space is increased, but the device complexity and structural requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed as a multi-functional component that can serve as a work surface, storage platform, or be integrated with the seat cushion to form a bench. The support mechanism uses universal linkages that accommodate multiple platform positions and configurations, reducing overall system complexity despite the multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform support mechanism is merged with the seat back folding mechanism, allowing both functions to share common structural elements and linkages. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity while still providing both seating and workspace functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the platform is made adjustable to provide multiple use positions, then versatility and space utilization are optimized, but the support mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform support mechanism incorporates dynamic linkages that allow the platform to move between multiple positions (stowed, table, upright, flip-up, extended storage) through a series of connected arms and pivots. This dynamic design enables versatile positioning without requiring complex motors or actuators, as the mechanical linkages themselves provide the movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism uses nested linkages where smaller linkage components are contained within or integrated into larger structural elements. This nesting approach allows multiple degrees of freedom and positioning options while minimizing the overall space required for the mechanism and reducing visual and structural complexity.
4Area of stationary object
If the seat back is folded to maximize available space, then storage or workspace area is increased, but the seating function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The seat back and platform are designed as dynamically reconfigurable assemblies that can transition between upright seating configuration and folded workspace configuration. This dynamic capability allows the system to provide maximum available space when needed while easily restoring the seating function when passengers need to be seated, resolving the contradiction between space maximization and seating functionality.
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
Significantly increases available workspace and storage space by providing a flexible platform that can be configured to suit different needs, such as a work surface or storage area, while maintaining a compact design when the seat is upright.
Implementation Method 1
The support mechanism includes a bar linkage that includes a lever arm that is selectively detached from the platform to provide at least one of the plurality of use positions
Implementation Method 2
The support mechanism includes a bar linkage that includes a lever arm that is selectively detached from the platform
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a seat back movable between an upright position and a folded position, and a platform coupled to the seat back with a support mechanism such that the platform is movable between a plurality of use positions when the seat back is in the folded position. The support mechanism includes at least one member that is selectively detached from the platform to provide at least one of the plurality of use positions.