Vehicle Seat Cushion Frame Lateral Displacement Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat designs face challenges in inhibiting large displacement of the cushion frame along the seat-width axis, which can lead to instability and discomfort for occupants.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle seat incorporates a lifter link system coupled to a bracket, featuring a first and second restrictor mechanism that limits displacement along the seat-width axis by abutting against specific portions on the lifter link, reducing the number of components and minimizing bending moments on the bracket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cushion frame is supported by a bracket via a lifter link that is pivotably coupled, then the cushion frame can descend and ascend smoothly, but the cushion frame is highly likely to be largely displaced along the seat-width axis
Solution Approach 1:
A restrictor member is introduced as an intermediary element between the bracket and the lifter link. The restrictor member includes a restrictor surface that abuts against a corresponding surface on the lifter link, preventing lateral displacement while allowing the pivotable coupling to function for smooth descent and ascent.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional components: the bracket for mounting, the lifter link for pivotable coupling enabling movement, and the restrictor member for constraining lateral displacement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional components are added to restrict the displacement of the cushion frame along the seat-width axis, then the displacement can be inhibited, but the number of members and parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor member is designed to be integrally formed with either the bracket or the lifter link, merging the restriction function into an existing component rather than adding a completely separate part. This reduces the overall number of members while maintaining the displacement restriction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket or lifter link serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables pivotable coupling for movement, and through the integrated restrictor member, constrains lateral displacement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated restriction components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the restrictor is positioned closer to the abutting portion on the lifter link, then the displacement restriction is more effective, but a significant bending moment acts on the bracket
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor surfaces are positioned at specific locations on the bracket and lifter link to optimize the balance between restriction effectiveness and force distribution. The local geometry of the abutting surfaces is designed to distribute loads and minimize bending moments on the bracket while maintaining effective displacement restriction.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is one example of a vehicle seat that can inhibit a large displacement of a cushion frame along a seat-width axis. The vehicle seat includes a cushion frame; a bracket coupled to a vehicle body; a lifter link that couples the cushion frame to the bracket and supports the cushion frame; and a first restrictor included in the bracket. The bracket is configured to couple the cushion frame to the vehicle body. The lifter link is pivotable along a front-rear axis of the seat with an upper end of the lifter link being pivotably coupled to the cushion frame and a lower end of the lifter link being pivotably coupled to the bracket. The first restrictor restricts a displacement of the lifter link along the seat-width axis in response to an abutment of the first restrictor against a first abutting portion included in the lifter link.