Work Vehicle Seat Backrest Suspension for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats, particularly in work vehicles, lack effective suspension systems to absorb impacts and adjust reclination angles comfortably during operator movements, leading to discomfort and potential strain.
Innovation Solution
A suspension apparatus for vehicle seats, incorporating a bracket, fastener, retaining piece, and spring mechanism that allows limited rotation and absorbs impacts, enabling adjustable reclination angles through a flange and actuator-driven connector system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is used between the backrest and seat base, then structural stability is improved, but operator comfort deteriorates due to inability to absorb impacts and adjust reclination angles
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the backrest and seat base is divided into multiple segments: the support structure, the flange assembly, and the suspension apparatus. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the support provides structural stability while the suspension apparatus absorbs impacts and allows controlled movement, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension apparatus introduces dynamic characteristics to the otherwise rigid structure. The spring mechanism allows the flange to rotate dynamically relative to the support, enabling the backrest to adjust to operator movements and absorb impacts. This dynamic element maintains structural integrity while significantly improving operator comfort during vehicle operation.
2Ease of operation
If a suspension apparatus with multiple components is added to improve comfort, then operator comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension apparatus is integrated into the existing support structure in such a way that it serves multiple functions: it absorbs impacts, allows controlled rotation of the backrest, and maintains structural support. By making the suspension system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate independent components, thereby improving comfort while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension apparatus components are nested within the existing support structure. The spring is positioned within the bracket assembly, and the flange rotates within the confines of the support structure. This nesting approach allows the suspension system to be compact and integrated, minimizing the overall complexity increase while still providing the necessary comfort features.
3Ease of operation
If limited rotation is allowed between the bracket and flange to absorb impacts, then impact absorption is improved, but rotation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension apparatus is designed to allow only partial rotation - enough to absorb impacts and accommodate operator movements, but not so much as to compromise structural stability or control. The spring mechanism provides just sufficient compliance to handle typical operational impacts while maintaining adequate rotational precision for controlled backrest adjustment. This partial action approach resolves the contradiction by providing exactly the amount of rotation needed without excessive movement.
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
Provides enhanced comfort and reduces operator strain by absorbing impacts and allowing smooth adjustment of reclination angles, improving the overall seating experience.
Implementation Method 1
a spring having a first end coupled to the bracket and a second end coupled to the retaining piece to resist the bracket from the limited rotation through a spring force from the spring
Implementation Method 2
The spring is configured to provide the suspension to absorb impact that increases a reclination angle between the backrest and the seat base
Data Source
AI summary
An operator seat of a work vehicle includes a seat base, a support, a flange, and a suspension apparatus. The seat base has a base frame. The support extends upward from a rearward portion of the seat base. The backrest is rotatably coupled to the seat base with the support and reclinable relative to the seat base. The flange is coupled to the support and rotatable relative to the support around a first axis. The suspension apparatus is coupled between the flange and the backrest to provide rotation between the flange and the backrest around the first axis. The rotation of the flange rotates the suspension apparatus.