Seat Cushion Extender Linkage for Full-Width Leg Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat cushion length extenders in vehicles are costly, complex, and only provide limited support, failing to accommodate a wide range of occupant sizes effectively, with existing systems not fully extending to provide optimal comfort and leg support for taller individuals while lacking retraction for smaller occupants.
Innovation Solution
A drive mechanism for a seat cushion length extender featuring a lower and upper slide with a threaded rod linkage system, allowing for full seat width adjustment, integrated design, and reduced complexity, enabling support for various occupant sizes with a motorized mechanism that extends and retracts to accommodate leg splay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional seat cushion length extenders are used, then middle portion support is provided, but the system does not extend across wide enough portion to accommodate leg splay
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into modular components: a motor assembly, a first linkage member with first and second linkages, and a second linkage member. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while collectively achieving full-width cushion extension, resolving the contradiction between extended coverage area and mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage members are configured to move in multiple dimensions - the first linkage member translates longitudinally while the second linkage member provides lateral movement. This multi-dimensional motion enables the cushion extender to cover the full width of the seat cushion including leg splay areas, increasing the effective support area without proportionally increasing mechanism complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional seat cushion length extenders are used, then taller occupants receive some support, but the system lacks retraction capability for smaller occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is designed as a dynamic, reversible system that can both extend and retract the cushion support. The motorized linkage system allows the cushion extender to move forward to accommodate taller occupants and retract to provide appropriate leg support and clearance for smaller occupants, enabling adaptability to different occupant sizes without requiring multiple fixed-position systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive mechanism serves multiple functions: it extends the cushion for taller occupants, retracts for smaller occupants, and can be positioned to accommodate various leg splay configurations. This multi-functionality achieves universal adaptability across different occupant types while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate adjustment mechanisms.
3Length of stationary object
If prior art seat cushion length extenders are used, then some cushion extension is achieved, but multiple high-cost components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism merges multiple functions into integrated components. The linkage members combine structural support, motion transmission, and positioning functions in single pieces. The motor assembly is integrated with the linkage system rather than being a separate component, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying manufacturing while achieving the required cushion length extension.
Solution Approach 2:
Each component in the drive mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions. The linkage members simultaneously provide structural support, transmit motor power, and enable both extension and retraction movements. This multi-functionality reduces the number of specialized components needed, lowering manufacturing costs and complexity while maintaining effective cushion length extension.
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 enhanced comfort and support for a wide range of occupants by allowing full longitudinal adjustment, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost, while maintaining an integrated appearance and minimizing interference for smaller occupants.
Implementation Method 1
a linkage member comprising a threaded rod having a flange end with an aperture therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A drive mechanism for a seat cushion length extender may have a lower slide, an upper slide slidably engaged with the lower slide, a linkage member having a threaded rod having a flange end with an aperture therethrough and a pin located through the linkage flange aperture and the linkage member aperture.