Vehicle Seat Folding Table With Console-Integrated Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hinged table systems for vehicle seats are cumbersome to adjust and occupy unnecessary space when stored, disturbing occupants and requiring complex mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A hinged table system with a passenger module, airbag, and multimedia panel, where the airbag is in fluid communication with an inflator, is integrated into a vehicle seat, allowing easy adjustment between operating and storing positions using a holding and adjusting device with a linear rail, spindle drive, and rotation unit, and can be stored in an existing component without additional space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the passenger module is stored in a separate storage chamber, then the vehicle occupant comfort is improved (no disturbing rest position), but the device complexity increases (requires additional storage chamber and door)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle occupant comfortVSAvoidstorage chamber structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage chamber is integrated into the existing center console structure of the vehicle seat, merging the storage function with an already present component. This eliminates the need for a completely separate storage mechanism while still providing the benefit of hiding the passenger module in rest position, thus improving comfort without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The center console is given dual functionality: it serves as both the structural support for the seat and as the storage chamber for the passenger module. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated storage components, balancing the improvement in occupant comfort with minimal increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a linear rail with spindle drive is used for adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved (easy adjustment between positions), but the device complexity increases (requires multiple adjustment mechanisms)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment easeVSAvoidadjusting device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device is divided into distinct functional segments: a linear rail for guiding movement and a spindle drive for power transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall adjustment mechanism, making it easier to operate while keeping individual component complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linear rail acts as an intermediary element that guides and constrains the movement of the passenger module between the storage chamber and the use position. This intermediary structure simplifies the adjustment operation by providing a predetermined movement path, reducing the complexity of control mechanisms needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the storage chamber is formed in the center console, then the loss of space is reduced (no additional space required), but the manufacturing precision requirements increase (integration into existing structure)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidintegration precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The storage chamber is merged with the center console structure, utilizing the existing space and structural framework of the vehicle seat. This integration eliminates the need for additional dedicated storage space, maximizing space utilization while leveraging the already-manufactured center console to minimize additional manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system allows for simple, non-disruptive storage and quick adjustment of the passenger module, enhancing vehicle comfort by utilizing existing space and providing a compact, robust, and convenient hinged table system.

Implementation Method 1

the airbag is in fluid communication with an inflator so that the inflator can inflate the airbag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Implementation Method 2

the adjusting device has a lifting mechanism with a spindle drive for vertically moving the passenger module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpindle drive: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS20250010782A1Folding table system for a vehicle seat

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 ZF AUTOMOTIVE GERMANY GMBH

AI summary

A hinged table system (10) for a vehicle seat (12) comprises a passenger module (14) and a holding and adjusting device, wherein the passenger module (14) comprises an airbag and a tabletop (20) including a multimedia panel (32), and the airbag is in fluid communication with an inflator so that the inflator can inflate the airbag, and wherein the passenger module (14) is coupled to the holding and adjusting device and can be adjusted between an operating position in front of an associated vehicle occupant sitting in the vehicle seat (12) and a storing position.