Vehicle Seat Bladder for Flat Loading Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seats that fold to increase storage space often fail to lie flat due to design characteristics, limiting access and storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat system with a seatback and seat base that includes a bladder operable between inflated and deflated states, actuated by a valve and sensor, allowing the loading surface to become substantially horizontal when deflated, enabling flat storage and proper occupant positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the seat is designed to fold for increased storage space, then storage capacity is improved, but the seat cannot lie flat due to design characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamically adjustable support structure consisting of multiple adjustable supports (22) that can be positioned at different heights and angles. This dynamic configuration allows the seatback (18) to be supported at various positions, enabling the loading surface (18A) to be substantially horizontal when the seat is folded, while maintaining the ability to adjust for different storage needs and access requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the seatback is positioned to provide access to trunk space, then accessibility is improved, but the loading surface cannot remain horizontal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support function into multiple independent adjustable supports (22) rather than a single fixed support. Each support can be independently positioned to provide the necessary clearance for trunk access while maintaining the horizontal orientation of the loading surface (18A). This segmentation allows selective adjustment of different support points to balance accessibility requirements with surface flatness.
3Strength
If the seat structure is made rigid to provide occupant support, then support comfort is improved, but the seat cannot fold flat for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic support system with multiple adjustable supports (22) that can be reconfigured between different operational states. When the seat is in use, the supports are positioned to provide rigid occupant support. When folding for storage, the supports are adjusted to enable the seatback to lie substantially flat, maximizing storage volume. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between structural rigidity and foldability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a seatback defining a loading surface and operable between deployed and undeployed positions. A seat base is positioned proximate the seatback. A bladder is operable between inflated and deflated states. A valve is fluidly coupled with the bladder. Foam is positioned within the bladder. The loading surface is substantially horizontal when the bladder is deflated and the seatback is in the deployed position.