Vehicle Seat Cushion Frame Structure for Hinge Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat cushion frames with a tumble function lack sufficient rigidity at the hinge and bracket areas when subjected to large forward forces, as the bracket is typically fixed to only a front pipe, leading to inadequate structural support.

Innovation Solution

A cushion frame configuration that includes multiple frames (first, second, front, intermediate, and bridge frames) forming a frame-shaped structure, with the bracket body fixed to the bridge and second frames, and an arched portion integral with the bracket body, increasing rigidity and allowing for more flexible welding options, and a reinforcing portion to enhance structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the bracket is fixed to only a front pipe of the cushion frame, then the device complexity is reduced, but the rigidity of the hinge and bracket area is insufficient when subjected to large forward forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverigidity of hinge and bracket areaVSAvoidframe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple frame members (front pipe, rear pipe, side pipes) into an integrated bracket fixing structure. The bracket is fixed to multiple frame members simultaneously, combining their structural support to achieve sufficient rigidity under large forward forces while maintaining reasonable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from fixing the bracket to a single front pipe (one-dimensional support) to fixing it to multiple frame members distributed across different spatial positions (multi-dimensional support). This dimensional expansion provides comprehensive rigidity in all directions subjected to forward forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the bracket body is fixed to multiple frames (bridge frame and second frame), then the rigidity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidwelding operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bracket fixing structure into distinct welding locations on different frame members (bridge frame and second frame). This segmentation allows welding operations to be performed independently on each frame member, facilitating easier manufacturing and assembly compared to welding a monolithic complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If an arched portion integral with the bracket body is added, then the rigidity is further increased, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverigidity of hinge and bracket areaVSAvoidbracket structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an arched portion with curved geometry integral to the bracket body. This curved structure efficiently distributes and redirects applied forces through its arch shape, providing enhanced rigidity and load-bearing capacity while maintaining structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20250001922A1Cushion frame for vehicle seat

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 TOYOTA BOSHOKU KK

AI summary

In a cushion frame, a bracket body, to which a hinge is fixed, is welded and fixed to a bridge frame, which couples a front frame and an intermediate frame to each other, and to a second frame. This results in a configuration in which the front frame, the intermediate frame, the bridge frame, and the second frame form a frame-shaped structure and in which the bracket body is fixed to at least the bridge frame and the second frame.