Seat Cushion Extender Drive Mechanism for Full-Width Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat cushion length extenders in vehicles require high-cost components and complex manufacturing, only actuate a middle portion of the cushion, and do not accommodate varying occupant sizes effectively, leading to inadequate support and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A drive mechanism for a seat cushion extender with a lower and upper slide, linkage flange, and threaded rod, allowing for full seat width adjustment and integration with a motor mount, enabling full seat width comfort and accommodation for varying occupant sizes without increased complexity or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional seat cushion length extenders are used, then the middle portion of the cushion can be actuated, but the system requires multiple high-cost components and complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components into a single integrated lower slide structure. The lower slide integrates the motor mount, linkage flange, and slide channels into one piece, eliminating the need for separate components that were previously required. This merging reduces part count, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers cost while maintaining the cushion actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower slide is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the motor mount, the linkage connection point, and the guide for the upper slide. This single component performs multiple functions that previously required separate parts, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full actuation functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional seat cushion length extenders are used, then some cushion support is provided, but they do not extend across a wide enough portion of the cushion to accommodate leg splay of occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic linkage mechanism using a threaded rod connected to the upper and lower slides. This allows the cushion extender to adjust its position and width dynamically based on occupancy needs, transitioning between extended and retracted states to accommodate different occupant sizes and leg splay requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional seat cushion length extenders are used, then taller occupants may obtain some support, but the system increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple high-cost components into a single lower slide structure that integrates the motor mount, linkage flange, and slide channels. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that require precision manufacturing and assembly, thereby lowering manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining the ability to provide support for taller occupants.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the seat cushion length extender is extended, then full seat width comfort is provided, but smaller occupants have reduced leg clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic linkage mechanism allows the cushion extender to be positioned in different states - extended when taller occupants need full support, and retracted when smaller occupants need leg clearance. The threaded rod linkage enables smooth transitions between these states, providing adaptability for different occupancy scenarios.
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 mechanism provides adjustable support for a wide range of occupant sizes, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining an integrated appearance and optimizing comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a linkage member (186) comprising a threaded rod (200) having a flange end (192) with an aperture (194) therethrough
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive mechanism (72) for a seat cushion length extender, comprising a lower slide (76), an upper slide (74), a linkage member (186) and optionally a pin.