Adjustable Seat Cushion Cover Retraction With Link-Rod Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable seat cushion assemblies for vehicles lack a structurally simple mechanism to ensure precise coverage of the gap between seat elements during adjustments, leading to inefficient cover piece movement and potential discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A pulling mechanism with a traction link and link rod that engages with slots to guide the cover piece into a defined folded state, ensuring it is drawn into the gap between seat elements, using a hem design and actuator for controlled movement, allowing the cover piece to bridge or retract based on seat element positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an elastic band is used to draw the cover piece into the gap, then the retraction function is achieved, but the structural simplicity and precise control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A link rod is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element between the seat element and the cover piece. The link rod translates the linear movement of the seat element into controlled movement of the cover piece, ensuring precise gap coverage while maintaining structural simplicity. This mechanical intermediary provides deterministic control compared to elastic bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover piece is divided into multiple segments that can fold relative to each other. This segmentation allows the cover piece to adapt to varying gap sizes while maintaining precise coverage. The segmented design enables controlled folding and deployment without requiring complex single-piece mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If the cover piece is allowed to move freely, then the structure remains simple, but the defined folded state and precise coverage cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The link rod acts as a guiding intermediary that constrains the cover piece movement along a predetermined path. This mechanical guidance ensures the cover piece achieves a defined folded state without adding significant structural complexity. The link rod provides stable positional control while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in the geometric parameters of the link rod and slot configuration to control the cover piece position. By varying the slot geometry and link rod dimensions, the defined folded state is achieved through parameter optimization rather than complex structural additions.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex pulling mechanism is used to guide the cover piece, then precise movement is achieved, but the structural simplicity and cost-effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling mechanism uses a simple link rod as an intermediary element that provides controlled movement through basic mechanical engagement with slots. This approach achieves precise cover piece positioning without requiring complex actuators, motors, or multi-component mechanisms, thereby maintaining cost-effectiveness and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the movement of the seat element itself. As the seat element moves, it automatically drives the link rod, which in turn guides the cover piece into the correct position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate power sources or complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable seat cushion assembly is disclosed which exhibits a first seat element and a second seat element moveable relative to the first seat element. A cover piece straddles a variable gap between cushion parts of the first and second seat elements. The adjustable seat cushion assembly is configured to draw the cover piece into the gap when the seat cushion assembly is moved from an extended position into a retracted position. A hem is formed with the cover piece in an area between the two cushion parts, and is joined with the second seat element. A link rod extends in the seat width direction of the cover piece and engages into slots at opposite ends.