Variable-Contour Seat Component for Load-Adaptive Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural components for vehicle seats lack the ability to adjust simply into multiple positions while effectively absorbing and compensating for loads and forces, and do not allow for easy setting of different support variants.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic structural component with a variable contour, featuring an adjusting mechanism with multiple adjusting elements that can move between compressed and expanded positions, coupled to a supporting structure and potentially driven by an actuating element, allowing for deformation of the outer contour to adapt to different positions and loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a seat is formed in multiple pieces connected by rotational or latching fittings to enable adjustment into different positions, then the seat can be adjusted into different positions (seating comfort position, bed position, folded position), but the structure becomes complex and cannot simply absorb and compensate for loads and forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing an adjusting mechanism with adjusting elements that can change their state between extended and retracted positions. This allows the structural component to dynamically adapt its contour and length depending on the required seat position, enabling simple adjustment into different positions (seating comfort, bed, folded) while maintaining structural integrity and absorbing loads effectively.
2Ease of manufacture
If a structural component uses a fixed contour design, then the manufacturing is simple, but it cannot adapt to different positions and cannot effectively absorb and compensate for varying loads and forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the structural component into a base structure and adjustable elements. The adjusting mechanism is segmented into multiple adjusting elements that can independently extend or retract. This segmentation allows the component to maintain simple manufacturing for the base structure while enabling adaptability through the modular adjusting elements that can be configured for different positions and load conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjusting elements are added to enable contour deformation, then adaptability to different positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by designing the adjusting elements to be partially received within the structural component when in the retracted position. The adjusting elements can extend outward when needed for contour deformation and support different positions, but nest back into the main structure when not in use. This nesting approach enables contour adaptability while minimizing the space required and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A structural component may have a carrier structure and a substructure arranged on the carrier structure and having a variable contour. The substructure may have an adjustment mechanism with a plurality of adjustment elements. The adjustment mechanism may be configured to adjust the adjustment elements between a compressed position and an expanded position in order to vary the contour.