Vehicle Seat Backrest with Pivoting Support Medallion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seat backrests are cumbersome to handle and occupy valuable space when folded down for support, limiting passenger compartment space and comfort for adjacent occupants.
Innovation Solution
A modular backrest with a support medallion that pivots to create a through opening, allowing for additional storage and support configurations, including a detachable shelf that can be fixed to the medallion or other vehicle elements, enhancing comfort and space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seat back is folded down to create a support surface, then support function is provided, but the occupied space increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into two independent segments: a fixed frame and a support medallion that can pivot between a functional position (forming the backrest) and a deployed position (creating a through opening). This segmentation allows the support medallion to be detached from the frame, enabling it to provide support functionality without permanently occupying space within the backrest structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support medallion is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to pivot around a second axis of rotation. When in the functional position, it forms part of the backrest; when in the deployed position, it creates a through opening in the frame, revealing storage space behind the seat. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by providing support function only when needed while minimizing space occupation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support medallion is integrated into the frame, then structural stability is improved, but handling becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is segmented into a fixed frame and a movable support medallion. The frame provides structural stability and remains stationary, while the support medallion can be independently pivoted between functional and deployed positions. This segmentation allows the stable frame to remain intact while the medallion provides ease of operation through its pivoting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support medallion combines two functions: when in the functional position, it merges with the frame to form a complete backrest structure; when in the deployed position, it transforms to create a through opening. This merging approach allows the same component to provide both structural stability and operational flexibility at different times.
3Ease of manufacture
If the backrest is made as a single piece, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability for different configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into a frame and a support medallion that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. The frame provides the basic structural framework, while the support medallion is a separate component that can pivot relative to the frame. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity for each individual component while enabling configuration flexibility through their relative movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support medallion is designed as a universal component that serves multiple functions: it forms part of the backrest structure when in the functional position and creates a through opening when in the deployed position. This multi-functionality allows a single component design to accommodate different configuration needs without requiring multiple specialized parts.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the support medallion remains fixed in the frame, then backrest continuity is maintained, but space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support medallion is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to pivot between a functional position that maintains backrest continuity and a deployed position that creates a through opening. When pivoted to the deployed position, the medallion moves forward to contact the seat, revealing storage space behind the seat that can be accessed from the front row.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest is segmented into a fixed frame and a movable support medallion. The frame maintains the basic structural continuity of the backrest, while the support medallion can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the medallion to be detached from the frame's continuous structure, enabling it to pivot forward and create a through opening without compromising the overall backrest framework.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat (2) and a backrest (3) adjustable in inclination around a first axis of rotation (5). According to the invention, the backrest (3) comprises a frame (6) and a support medallion (7) pivotally mounted in the frame (6) between a functional position in which it is placed in the frame (6) and forms with it the backrest (3), and a deployed position in which it has pivoted to rest against the seat (2), revealing a through opening (13) in the backrest (3) which is delimited by the frame (6). In the deployed position, the support medallion (7) has a support plate (16) covering said medallion (7) and capable of being detached to be attached to a particular location on said medallion (7) to create additional support.