Integrated Seat Back Table Grip for Vehicle Entry and Exit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat back tables in vehicles struggle to provide both a functional table and an assist grip due to space and cost constraints, limiting occupant comfort, especially when entering or exiting the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A seat back table design that integrates a base plate with a gap functioning as a grip portion and a swingable table plate, equipped with a magnetic latch and adjustable hinges, allowing both table and grip functions, and accommodating various adapters for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate assist grip and table are provided to improve occupant comfort, then occupant comfort is improved, but space and cost constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the assist grip function and table function into a single integrated seat back table structure. The table plate can serve as a grip when closed, and the side surfaces of the base plate provide grip functionality, eliminating the need for a separate assist grip component while maintaining both functions within the same spatial envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat back table is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a table surface when opened, and as an assist grip when closed or during entry/exit. The side surfaces of the base plate provide additional grip areas, making the single structure universal for both support and gripping needs.
2Ease of operation
If a bar-shaped assist grip is provided for gripping while seated, then occupant comfort is improved while seated, but it becomes difficult to grip when entering or exiting the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the grip functionality from a single bar shape to multiple dimensional surfaces. The side surfaces of the base plate provide grip areas that are accessible from different directions and positions, allowing occupants to grip the structure whether seated, entering, or exiting the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The table plate is designed to be swingable between opened and closed positions. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt to different usage scenarios: closed position for gripping during entry/exit, and opened position for table functionality when seated.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the table plate is fixed to maintain levelness, then table levelness is maintained, but it cannot adapt to changes in seat back tilt angle
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism with latching function enables the table plate to dynamically adjust its angle relative to the base plate. The latching function provides stable positioned states at different angles, allowing the table plate to maintain levelness at each latched position while adapting to different seat back tilt angles through the range of motion provided by the hinge.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat back table attached to a rear surface of a seat back of an in-vehicle seat includes a base plate fixed to the rear surface of the seat back, and a table plate that is opened and closed by swinging with respect to the base plate, and, in this seat back table, a gap to which a fingertip can be inserted is provided between at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the base plate and the seat back, and at least the portion of the peripheral edge of the base plate functions as a grip portion that is capable of being gripped by a user.