Seat-Back Table Assembly With Nested Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle seats do not adequately provide a flat surface for occupants when the vehicle is at rest, and existing solutions encumber space when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A modular vehicle seat assembly with a table that can be moved between stowed and operative positions, integrated into the seat back's cavity, allowing for a horizontal working surface when needed and folding back into the seat when not in use, using a frame, pivot assembly, and track system for support and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a table is integrated into the vehicle seat to provide a flat working surface when the vehicle is at rest, then the functionality and versatility of the seat is improved, but the space occupied by the table when not in use encumbers the available space in the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The table is nested within a cavity in the seat back when not in use, allowing it to be stored inside the seat structure itself. This nesting arrangement eliminates the need for separate storage space and ensures the table does not encumber available space in the vehicle when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The table is designed to be movable between a stowed position within the cavity and an operative extended position. This dynamic capability allows the table to transform from a compact stored state to a functional working surface, providing versatility while minimizing space occupation during non-use periods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a table is provided in the vehicle seat for use when the vehicle is at rest, then the working surface functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components needed for movement and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is segmented into modular components including the seat back, a cavity within the seat back, and a table assembly that can be independently installed or removed. This segmentation allows the table functionality to be added or removed based on user needs without affecting the core seat structure, thereby managing complexity through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity in the seat back is designed to accommodate multiple configurations - it can receive a table assembly when working surface functionality is needed, or a trim piece to cover the cavity when the table is not desired. This universal design allows the same structural feature to serve different purposes, reducing overall system complexity by avoiding the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle seat assemblies may include a table that is moveable between stowed and operative positions. The table may provide a generally horizontal working surface when in the operative position. The table may be part of an assembly that may be disposed in a cavity in the seat assembly, such as in the rear surface of a seat back. The cavity in the seat assembly may be configured to receive different modules depending on how the seat assembly is to be configured. For example, the seat assembly may receive a table assembly or a trim piece. The trim piece may be used to cover the cavity when a table is not desired as part of the seat assembly.