Automotive Seat Backrest with Pivoting Secondary Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retractable seats in vehicles face a challenge in balancing comfort in the deployed position with compactness in the retracted position, as thin fittings for compactness compromise passenger comfort, and existing designs struggle to provide adequate lumbar support due to limited suspension web relaxation.
Innovation Solution
A retractable seat design featuring a primary frame with a secondary frame that pivots angularly to create space for an elastic suspension ply, allowing greater deformation and comfort, while maintaining compactness through thin upholstery and clever frame geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If thin fittings are used to achieve compactness in retracted position, then the volume of the seat when retracted is reduced, but the thickness of the upholstery is reduced which deteriorates passenger comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into two separate frames: a primary frame that provides structural support and a secondary frame that carries the suspension ply. This segmentation allows the suspension system to be independently optimized for comfort while the overall structure maintains compactness when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary frame is made movable relative to the primary frame through a pivot connection, allowing it to angularly offset and create space for the suspension ply to deform elastically when stressed, then pivot back when the seat is retracted. This dynamic mechanism enables the suspension web to have sufficient travel for comfort while maintaining a thin profile when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If the backrest is made sufficiently high in the deployed position to ensure passenger comfort, then the comfort level is improved, but the bulk of the seat when retracted increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable secondary frame creates space dynamically when needed - it angularly offsets from the primary frame only when the seat is deployed and the suspension ply needs to deform under passenger weight. When the seat is retracted, the secondary frame pivots back to a compact position, minimizing the overall bulk.
3Ease of operation
If the suspension web is allowed to relax fully to provide lumbar support comfort, then the comfort in the lumbar area is improved, but the thickness of the backrest increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable secondary frame creates variable space - when the seat is deployed, the frame angularly offsets to create maximum space for the suspension ply to relax and provide lumbar support. When retracted, the frame returns to a compact position, minimizing the thickness of the backrest assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing thickness in the traditional dimension, the invention creates space by angular offsetting the secondary frame relative to the primary frame, utilizing a different spatial dimension to accommodate the suspension ply's deformation path.
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 seat offers enhanced comfort by allowing greater suspension web relaxation, particularly in the lumbar area, while achieving remarkable compactness in the retracted position, fitting well into a small bowl without protrusions.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic suspension ply, the secondary frame being connected... by connection means allowing the secondary frame to be angularly offset from the primary frame when the seat is in the deployed position to create a space in which the suspension ply can deform elastically when it is stressed
Data Source
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AI summary
The seat (1) has a backrest (3) with a primary frame (3a) coupled to a base (2) and connection units. A secondary frame (3b) of the backrest is coupled to the primary frame by a pivot link (P1) at a distal part of the backrest and by connecting rods (9) at a proximal part of the backrest such that the secondary frame is angularly shifted from the primary frame when the seat is in a deployed position, and is rotated towards the primary frame during folding of the seat. An elastic suspension layer is elastically deformed, under stress, in a space (12) between the frames in the deployed position.