Vehicle Seat Calf Support Linkage for Compact Adjustable Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calf support arrangements for vehicle seats are not compact, adjustable, or cost-effective, failing to provide adequate support for individuals of varying heights and requiring multiple parts and drives for adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A calf support arrangement featuring a seat attachment unit with pivotable and movable calf support elements, guided by a mechanism allowing simultaneous pivoting and extension, reducing parts and weight while enabling adjustable support settings through a single drive unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a calf support arrangement with multiple separate adjustment mechanisms is used, then adjustment functionality is comprehensive, but device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pivoting and extension adjustment functions into a single integrated drive unit. The guide arrangement couples the calf support elements in terms of movement, allowing one drive unit to control both the pivoting motion and the extension motion, thereby reducing the number of parts while maintaining comprehensive adjustment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive unit serves multiple functions by controlling both pivoting and extension of the calf support elements. The guide arrangement enables this multi-functionality by coupling the elements in such a manner that one drive can produce coordinated movement in both directions
2Measurement precision
If multiple drive units are used for pivoting and extension, then adjustment precision is high, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive units into a single drive unit that controls both pivoting and extension through the guide arrangement. This integration maintains adjustment precision while reducing the overall weight of the system by eliminating redundant drive components
3Volume of moving object
If a compact calf support arrangement is designed, then space utilization is improved, but adjustment range may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The calf support elements are arranged in a nested or coupled configuration where the second calf support element can extend relative to the first. The guide arrangement allows this extended movement while maintaining a compact overall structure when not in use, enabling both compactness and sufficient adjustment range
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 solution provides a compact, adjustable, and cost-effective calf support system that enhances sitting comfort for different heights, allowing for continuous thigh and leg support, and can be retrofitted into existing seats with automatic adjustment options.
Implementation Method 1
at least one guide arrangement is provided by which the calf support elements are arranged on the seat attachment unit coupled in terms of movement in such a manner that the two calf support elements are pivotable relative to the seat attachment unit and the second calf support element is movable relative to the first calf support element
Data Source
AI summary
A calf support arrangement for a vehicle seat may have one seat attachment unit. The arrangement may also have one first calf support element which is coupled to the seat attachment unit and is pivotable relative thereto. The arrangement may also have one second calf support element which is coupled to the first calf support element and is movable relative thereto. At least one guide arrangement is provided by which the calf support elements are arranged on the seat attachment unit coupled in terms of movement in such a manner that the two calf support elements are pivotable relative to the seat attachment unit and the second calf support element is movable relative to the first calf support element. A vehicle seat having the calf support arrangement is also provided.