Vehicle Seat Base With Adjustable Lower Portion For Auxiliary Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seating assemblies in rearward rows often lack adjustable and versatile designs for accommodating auxiliary seats, with existing anchor systems being limited in their ability to adapt to different positions and configurations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly with a seat base and seatback that includes adjustable lower and rearward portions, a linkage assembly for positional adjustment, a lift assembly for height adjustment, and a ramp assembly for enhanced accessibility, allowing for flexible positioning and anchoring of auxiliary seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seat surface is designed with fixed lower and rearward portions, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different auxiliary seat configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the lower portion of the seat surface adjustable relative to the support structure. The lower portion can be positioned at multiple discrete locations along the support structure, allowing the seat surface to adapt to different auxiliary seat configurations. This is achieved through a linkage assembly with locking mechanisms that enable the lower portion to be selectively locked at different positions, providing versatility without requiring a completely redesignable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seat surface into distinct portions: a fixed rearward portion and an adjustable lower portion. This segmentation allows the lower portion to be independently positioned at multiple locations while the rearward portion remains fixed. The linkage assembly is also segmented into movable and stationary components, enabling the lower portion to be adjusted without moving the entire seat surface structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lower portion is made adjustable to multiple positions, then the versatility for different auxiliary seat positions is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional linkage and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the linkage assembly to perform multiple functions: it enables position adjustment of the lower portion, provides locking at discrete positions, and maintains structural support. The same linkage mechanism serves both as an adjustment device and a locking system, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing overall device complexity despite the multi-position capability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional anchor systems are used without adjustable seat surfaces, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation for installing auxiliary seats is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the lower portion at specific discrete positions along the support structure where anchor access points are located. This allows the auxiliary seat to be easily installed by simply selecting the appropriate pre-positioned lower portion configuration, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments during installation. The locking mechanisms are pre-designed to automatically secure the lower portion at these predetermined positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base with a support structure, a seatback pivotably coupled to the seat base, a first anchor access point positioned in the seat base, a second anchor access point positioned in the seat base and laterally disposed relative to the first anchor access point, a seat surface of the seat base. The seat surface includes a lower portion and a rearward portion. The rearward portion is positioned rearward of the lower portion. The rearward portion is arranged at an angle relative to the lower portion such that the rearward portion and the lower portion are non-parallel to one another. The seat surface is an occupant-facing surface.