Vehicle Seat Cushion Structure for Stable Leaf Spring Rocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The independent operation of front and rear leaf springs in existing vehicle seat structures can lead to unsatisfactory maintenance of the leaf spring function when the support shafts are rotated, particularly in configurations with a lift-up mechanism that moves the seat cushion up and down.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat structure with a center member connecting the front and rear portions of the seat cushion via leaf springs, where the front and rear portions of the center member are rotatable about their respective support shafts, and flange portions and collar members are used to restrict movement, ensuring the leaf springs maintain their function even when the seat cushion is rocked in the seat width direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the front leaf springs and rear leaf springs are independent, then the seat cushion can be rocked in the seat width direction, but the function of the leaf springs cannot be maintained satisfactorily when the support shafts are rotated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the front and rear leaf springs into a single integrated leaf spring structure that spans across both support shafts. This merging ensures that when the support shafts rotate during lift-up operation, the entire leaf spring system moves cohesively, maintaining its elastic deformation capability and supporting function throughout the motion range.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to the rotation of support shafts. The spring incorporates variable stiffness sections and strategic mounting points that enable it to maintain optimal elastic properties during the dynamic lift-up motion, ensuring reliable function throughout the operational cycle.
2Ease of operation
If the support shafts are rotated to move the seat cushion up and down, then the lift-up function is achieved, but the angles of the leaf springs change and their function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a longitudinal dimension to the leaf spring structure, extending it from the front support shaft to the rear support shaft. This dimensional extension allows the leaf spring to accommodate rotational movement of individual shafts while maintaining its supporting function through distributed elasticity along the entire length, rather than relying on isolated spring sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated leaf spring acts as an intermediary element between the support shafts and the seat cushion. It mediates the rotational motion of the shafts, converting it into controlled elastic deformation that maintains supporting function. The leaf spring's continuous structure distributes the mechanical stress and maintains geometric integrity during shaft rotation.
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 structure ensures that the leaf springs maintain their elastic deformation and posture-maintaining capability even when the seat cushion is moved up and down, preventing independent deformation and enhancing the stability and durability of the seat mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
when a load is input to the seat cushion, the leaf springs are elastically deformed, and the posture of the seated person can be maintained satisfactorily
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat structure includes a seat cushion; a center member provided below the seat cushion; leaf springs connecting a front portion and a rear portion of the center member and the seat cushion; a front support shaft provided at a front portion of the seat cushion to constitute a framework of the seat cushion and extending in the seat width direction; and a rear support shaft provided at a rear portion of the seat cushion to constitute the framework of the seat cushion and extending in the seat width direction, the front portion of the center member is attached to be rotatable about an axis of the front support shaft and immovable in the seat width direction, and the rear portion of the center member is attached to be rotatable about an axis of the rear support shaft and immovable in the seat width direction.