Vehicle Seat Backrest Extension for Ergonomic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seats for agricultural utility vehicles do not adequately support drivers in laterally or rearwardly oriented positions, leading to discomfort, pressure points, and increased risk of body strain due to limited degrees of freedom and inadequate torso support, which can result in premature fatigue and reduced work efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with an additional torso support device that can be shifted from a central to an off-center position, providing ergonomic support to the driver's torso area, especially during laterally or rearwardly oriented working positions, without interfering with normal driving positions, and can be actuated using a push-actuating device or spring-loaded mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the backrest extension is rotated to allow the driver to reach rear controls, then the driver can access controls located at the rear, but the backrest extension turns back to its original position when eccentric load is applied, preventing additional support in rearward working position
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into a fixed lower part and a movable upper extension part that can be independently positioned. The upper part can be rotated to different angular positions and locked, allowing the driver to access rear controls while maintaining stable support in the extended position through the locking mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the entire vehicle seat is pivoted about a vertical axis to allow rearward observation, then the driver can observe rear implements, but the driver must turn out of a comfortable seat cushion contour, leading to pressure points and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is segmented into a fixed seat cushion part and a movable backrest part with upper extension. This allows the backrest to be rotated and positioned independently to support the driver's torso in rearward working positions, while the seat cushion remains stationary to maintain comfortable contact and prevent pressure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper backrest extension acts as an intermediary support element between the driver's torso and the fixed seat structure. It provides the necessary support for eccentric positions without requiring the entire seat to pivot, thereby avoiding discomfort from loss of cushion contact.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the backrest contour is shaped to provide good support in forward-facing position, then adequate relief is provided for the driver, but freedom of movement in the shoulder and arm area is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is segmented into a lower fixed part with ergonomic contouring for forward-facing support and an upper movable extension part. The lower part maintains its contoured shape to provide adequate relief, while the upper extension can be rotated and positioned to accommodate various arm and shoulder positions without restricting movement.
4Ease of operation
If the pivoting range of the rotary adapter is increased to improve rearward observation, then better observation of rear implements is achieved, but the driver's ability to steer safely using pedals and steering wheel is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into a fixed lower part and a movable upper extension that can be independently positioned. The upper extension can be rotated to provide observation of rear implements, while the lower part and seat base remain fixed to maintain the driver's ability to safely operate pedals and steering wheel.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) with a seat section (2) and a backrest section (3) for supporting a driver in his seated position on the vehicle seat (1), wherein the vehicle seat (1) has an additional driver torso support device (8) that can be arranged outside the seat section (2) and the backrest section (3), which can be temporarily arranged at least partially in an otherwise vehicle seat-free torso support area (9) in front of the backrest section (3) as well as laterally and/or above the backrest section (3) in order to support the driver sitting on the vehicle seat (1) during a laterally or backward-oriented sitting working posture at least at the level of his shoulder area, eccentrically to the side of the backrest section (3), and wherein the additional driver torso support device (8) comprises a backrest extension device (4),which is arranged to be translationally displaceable along a horizontal axis (21) on the backrest part (3) in order to be able to move the additional driver's torso support device (8) from an approximately central initial position (25) to an off-center additional torso support position (26) essentially horizontally.