Motor Vehicle Seat Automatic Folding Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motor vehicle seats designed to fold for additional storage space are complex and require user knowledge to operate, and they do not efficiently utilize space when folded.

Innovation Solution

A method and design for a foldable vehicle seat that uses automatically locking and unlocking rotational means to transition the seatback from a use position to a stowed position without requiring user actions like pushing buttons or pulling levers, utilizing pivot pins and a latching mechanism for smooth operation and space optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automatic locking and unlocking mechanisms are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism automatically locks and unlocks based on the relative positions of components without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by using the movement of components to trigger locking/unlocking actions, eliminating the need for buttons or levers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically based on component positions. The system adapts its state automatically as components move relative to each other, providing ease of operation while managing complexity through position-based control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rotational means are used for folding, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The folding mechanism is divided into multiple rotational means (first and second rotational means) that operate independently. Each rotational means handles a specific aspect of the folding motion, allowing the system to achieve complex adaptive movements while managing overall complexity through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If automatic locking is implemented during movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is prepared in advance to lock automatically when components reach specific relative positions. The system anticipates the locking need based on component movement, ensuring reliable locking without requiring complex real-time control during the actual locking moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8974001B2Motor vehicle seat and method for transferring a seatback from the use position to a stowed position
Publication Date: 2015.03.10 ADIENT US LLC
  • US8974001B2 patent drawing
  • US8974001B2 patent drawing
  • US8974001B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle seat, in particular to a rear seat for rear rows of seats of motor vehicles. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for shifting a first and second component relative to a base part.