Adjustable Seat Base Center Support for Easier Vehicle Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats face a trade-off between providing adequate support during vehicle maneuvers and facilitating easy ingress and egress, as larger bolsters offer better support but hinder entry and exit.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with an adjustable center support mechanism that can be raised or lowered using a motor-actuated linkage or an inflatable bladder, allowing the center support to be adjusted based on the passenger's needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If larger bolsters are used to provide greater support during vehicle maneuvers, then support is improved, but ingress and egress become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The center support member is made adjustable in height rather than fixed. It can be raised to a first position during vehicle maneuvers to provide enhanced support, and lowered to a second position during ingress and egress to facilitate easier entry and exit. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the support structure to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The height parameter of the center support member is changed between two positions. By adjusting the vertical position of the center support member relative to the seat base, the system provides greater support when raised and easier access when lowered, thus resolving the contradiction between support strength and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a recessed seating surface with standard bolsters is used, then ingress and egress are facilitated, but support during maneuvers is minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The center support member transitions between a lowered position that facilitates ingress and egress and a raised position that provides enhanced support during maneuvers. This dynamic capability allows the seat to offer both easy access and strong support depending on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The center support member can be preliminarily positioned in a lowered state before the occupant enters the vehicle, facilitating easy ingress. After the occupant is seated, the center support member can be raised to provide the necessary support during vehicle maneuvers, thus preparing the system in advance for different operational requirements.
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 adjustable center support enhances support during vehicle maneuvers while allowing for easier entry and exit by adjusting its height, thereby improving overall passenger comfort and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment mechanism includes a linkage operatively connected to a motor, the motor being operable to raise the second end of the center support
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment mechanism comprises an inflatable bladder
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes a seat base including a center support, a seat back mounted to the seat base, and an adjustment mechanism operatively connected to the center support. The adjustment mechanism is operable to selectively raise and lower the center support relative to the seat base.