Vehicle Seat Frame Coupling for Multi-Position Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seat assemblies in vehicles lack efficient mechanisms for transitioning between multiple positions such as design, reclined, easy-entry, and folded configurations, often requiring complex latching systems and limited flexibility in seating arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a frame assembly that includes a base frame, seat bottom frame, and seatback frame, coupled with a motor assembly and a coupling mechanism allowing for automatic movement between positions through a combination of rotational axes and sliding tracks, enabling smooth transitions without the need for explicit latching or locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex latching systems are used to maintain seat positions, then positional stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly uses self-latching mechanisms where the seat bottom frame and seatback frame automatically engage and disengage through their coupled rotational axes during position transitions, eliminating the need for external latching systems to maintain positional stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic coupling between the seat bottom frame and seatback frame through rotational axes that allow continuous movement between positions while maintaining engagement, enabling the system to adapt its configuration dynamically without complex static latching mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple seating positions are enabled, then adaptability is improved, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is divided into independently rotatable segments (seat bottom frame and seatback frame) connected through coupled rotational axes, allowing each segment to move relative to the other to achieve multiple seating positions without requiring a complex overall mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The coupled rotational axes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they enable rotation of both the seat bottom frame and seatback frame, provide structural support, and facilitate automatic engagement/disengagement across multiple positions, reducing the need for separate mechanisms for each function
3Ease of operation
If automatic position transitions are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupled rotational axes create a dynamic system where movement of one frame automatically induces corresponding movement in the other frame through mechanical coupling, enabling automatic position transitions without requiring complex control mechanisms or actuators
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly comprises a frame assembly, including: a base frame; a seat bottom frame rotatably coupled with the base frame; and a seatback frame rotatably coupled to the base frame. The frame assembly can include a plurality of positions, including a reclined position, a design position, an easy-entry position, and a folded position. The seat bottom frame may be engaged with the base frame and/or the seatback frame in the reclined position and the design position. The seat bottom frame may be disengaged from the base frame and/or seatback frame in the folded position.