Vehicle Seat Break-Link Stowage for Compact Load-Floor Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats that fold to provide a load floor require generous packaging constraints due to simple kinematics, resulting in undue space usage and high load levels.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design incorporating a main link and a break link mechanism that transitions between five-bar and four-bar link configurations, utilizing a biasing member and elongate slot to facilitate compact stowage, allowing the seat to be folded rearward into a tub compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple kinematics are used in folding seats, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the seat requires generous packaging constraints and occupies undue space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a break link mechanism that transitions between five-bar and four-bar link configurations. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the seat to change its kinematic behavior during folding, enabling compact stowage while maintaining structural integrity. The break link can pivot between different connection points, dynamically altering the mechanism's degrees of freedom to achieve space-efficient packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The break link is segmented into multiple members (first member with elongate slot, second member, third member) connected by pivots. This segmentation allows the link to flex and reconfigure during the folding process, enabling the seat to transition from a simple folding motion to a more complex compact stowage configuration that reduces the space occupied.
2Device complexity
If simple kinematics are used in folding seats, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the load floor has high load level
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic transition between five-bar and four-bar link configurations allows the mechanism to optimize load distribution. In the four-bar configuration, the load path is more direct and efficient, reducing the load level on the load floor. The break link's ability to pivot and reconfigure dynamically enables the system to switch to this more efficient load-bearing configuration during the folding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented break link mechanism creates multiple pivot points and connection members that distribute and redirect loads more effectively. The first member with elongate slot, second member, and third member create a distributed load path that reduces concentrated stresses on the load floor, thereby lowering the overall load level.
3Volume of moving object
If break link with elongate slot and pin is used, then the seat can be stowed in modest space, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member (spring) provides self-service by automatically biasing the pin toward the first end of the elongate slot, enabling the break link to self-lock in the stowed position. This eliminates the need for additional locking mechanisms or complex control systems, achieving compact stowage with minimal added complexity. The spring-loaded pin automatically engages with the elongate slot to maintain the compact configuration.
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 design enhances space efficiency by enabling the seat to be stowed in a modest space, providing a capacious, substantially flat load floor, and supports improved seating and loading capabilities in various vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member comprises a clock spring
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat comprises: a cushion frame; a backrest frame; at least one main link extending between a first pivot at the cushion frame and a first fixed pivot to be mounted to a vehicle body of a vehicle, wherein the at least one main link is configured to support substantially an entire load on the vehicle seat; and a break link extending between a second pivot at the cushion frame and a second fixed pivot to be mounted to the vehicle body, the break link comprising first and second members joined to each other at a third pivot, wherein one of the first or second members has a pin that extends into an elongate slot on another of the first or second members.