Vehicle Seat Cushion Rotation Into Dashboard for Cargo Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat structures face deformation or damage when heavy cargo is frequently loaded on folded seatbacks, as the cargo weight acts as a load, necessitating a solution to enhance structural integrity and loading capacity.
Innovation Solution
A seat apparatus with a seat rail, first and second frames, a seat cushion with coupling parts, and a lifter assembly that allows the folded seatback to be rotated and accommodated upright within the dashboard, expanding loading space while preventing interference and ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If cargo is loaded on the upper side of the folded seatback, then loading space is expanded, but the seat may be deformed or damaged due to cargo weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the seatback from its traditional position and stores it in the dashboard when not in use. This separates the cargo loading function from the seatback structure, allowing cargo to be loaded on the dashboard or front floor without imposing weight on the seatback, thus resolving the contradiction between expanding loading space and maintaining seat structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The seatback is nested within the dashboard storage space. The dashboard is designed with a cavity that accommodates the folded seatback, allowing the seatback to be stored inside the dashboard structure. This nesting arrangement provides additional loading space on the dashboard while protecting the seatback from cargo weight damage
2Productivity
If the seatback is folded to expand loading space, then cargo loading capability is improved, but the seatback may be damaged by repeated loading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is extracted from the loading area and stored in the dashboard when not needed for cargo loading. This eliminates the need to repeatedly fold and unfold the seatback for cargo operations, reducing mechanical stress and improving reliability while maintaining cargo loading capability
Solution Approach 2:
The seatback is folded and stored in the dashboard in advance before cargo loading operations begin. This preliminary action prepares the loading space without subjecting the seatback to repeated folding/unfolding cycles during actual cargo operations, thereby improving both productivity and reliability
3Reliability
If the cover part is designed to close the dashboard opening, then safety is improved by preventing unintended movement, but the cover part may interfere with the rotatable seat cushion when opening
Solution Approach 1:
The cover part is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. When the seat cushion needs to rotate into the dashboard, the cover part can rotate out of the way. When closed, it provides safety by preventing unintended movement. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between safety and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cover part is designed with a bent shape where the end is bent toward the front floor, creating a three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional change allows the cover part to close the dashboard opening for safety while its bent geometry prevents interference with the seat cushion's rotation path, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation
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 enables the seat cushion with a folded seatback to rotate and be accommodated upright within the dashboard, effectively expanding the vehicle's loading space and preventing damage from cargo weight, while ensuring safety by preventing unintended movement during vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first frame coupled to a front end of the seat rail, and having a hinge part hinged to the first coupling part
Implementation Method 2
a lifter assembly of which length is extended or reduced when the seat cushion rotates
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a seat apparatus of a vehicle, the seat apparatus includes a seat rail installed on a front floor, a first frame moving along the seat rail, a second frame coupled to the first frame, and moving together with the first frame, a seat cushion including a first coupling part rotatably coupled to the second frame, and a second coupling part disposed to be spaced apart from the first coupling part and detachably coupled to the second frame, and a seatback rotatably coupled to the seat cushion, and folded toward the seat cushion so as to adhere to the seat cushion.