Vehicle Seat Backrest Hinge Layout for Adjustable Upper Inclination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat backrest designs with adjustable inclination either require strong and costly construction to withstand seat belt forces or are ineffective and slow, and often restrict air conditioning functions.
Innovation Solution
A backrest with a pivotable additional frame hinged to the side plate or cover of a one-piece backrest frame, allowing adjustable inclination without absorbing seat belt forces, enabling a secure seat belt D-ring attachment and quick adjustment, while maintaining air conditioning functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper backrest section is made pivotable to allow inclination adjustment, then adjustability is improved, but the structural strength and stability deteriorate due to the pivot device being subjected to high seat belt forces during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into a lower backrest section and an upper backrest section that can pivot relative to each other. The pivot device is positioned in the lower region of the lower backrest section, separating the adjustment function from the force-bearing function. This segmentation allows the upper section to be adjustable while the lower section maintains structural integrity for withstanding seat belt forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the lower and upper backrest sections. It enables the upper section to pivot for adjustment while being positioned in the lower section where it can be protected from direct seat belt forces. The headrest mounted on the upper section serves as an intermediary that absorbs some adjustment forces and provides a stable mounting point for the seat belt D-ring.
2Strength
If a one-piece backrest frame is used to provide structural stability for seat belt forces, then strength is improved, but the ability to adjust upper backrest inclination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining a one-piece backrest frame for overall structural strength, the upper backrest section is segmented from the lower section through a pivot connection. This allows the frame to remain structurally sound for withstanding seat belt forces while enabling the upper section to pivot independently for inclination adjustment. The pivot device in the lower section acts as a controlled segmentation point.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper backrest section is made dynamic through the pivot connection, allowing it to change inclination angle as needed. The pivot device enables controlled movement of the upper section while the lower section and main frame remain static and provide structural strength. This dynamic capability is achieved without compromising the overall one-piece frame integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the pivot device is positioned in the upper region for adjustment purposes, then adjustability is improved, but the ability to withstand seat belt forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest mounted on the upper backrest section serves as an intermediary that absorbs adjustment forces during pivoting. By positioning the pivot device in the lower section and mounting the headrest on the upper section, the system creates a lever arm that reduces the direct forces transmitted to the pivot device during both adjustment and collision events. The headrest acts as a force-distributing intermediary.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot device is positioned in the lower region of the lower backrest section, changing the spatial dimension of the pivot point from the traditional upper position. This dimensional change allows the pivot to be located in a region that experiences lower seat belt forces during collisions, while still enabling effective inclination adjustment of the upper backrest section through the lever arm created by the headrest mounting position.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective and flexible backrest that withstands high seat belt loads, allows quick adjustment, and integrates air conditioning without aesthetic or safety compromises.
Implementation Method 1
An additional frame is hinged so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis on a side plate or to the cover or the backrest frame
Data Source
AI summary
A backrest for a vehicle seat includes a backrest frame, which is surrounded by a cover and has an upper backrest with an adjustable inclination. An additional frame is hinged so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis to a side plate, the cover, or the backrest frame. The pivot axis is arranged in an upper region of the backrest, and the additional frame extends upwards from the pivot axis in the installed position of the backrest. The additional frame can be secured in different angular positions in relation to the backrest frame, and, thus, a variable gap forms between the additional cover of the additional frame and the cover of the backrest frame.