Seat Frame Structure Without Cushion Side Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing vehicle seat frames are hindered by the weight of the cushion side frame, which obstructs efforts to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency and environmental pollution.

Innovation Solution

A seat frame design that omits the cushion side frame by incorporating a pair of rails, a cushion frame with a closed cross-sectional shape, and links connected via hinge shafts and brackets, allowing for adjustable movement and connection to a seatback frame, utilizing a motor-driven mechanism for height and angle adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a cushion side frame is used to support the cushion panel and connect to the seatback frame, then the structural strength and stability are ensured, but the weight of the seat frame increases significantly (comprising 8-10% of total weight)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidseat frame weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the cushion side frame from the seat structure, replacing it with a direct connection system between the cushion frame and seatback frame. This eliminates the unnecessary component while preserving the essential structural support function through the rail and link mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of the cushion side frame into the existing rail and link structure. The rail provides both guidance and structural support, while the link connects the cushion frame directly to the seatback frame, combining multiple functions into fewer components to reduce overall weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components including cushion side frame, links, and brackets are used to achieve height and angle adjustment, then the functional adjustability is maintained, but the number of components and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional adjustabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rail structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables height adjustment through vertical movement, and facilitates angle adjustment through rotational capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each adjustment function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a dynamic link mechanism that allows the cushion frame to move relative to the seatback frame, enabling both height and angle adjustments. The link acts as a dynamic connector that accommodates multiple degrees of freedom, replacing static multi-component assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4011694B1Seat frame
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 POSCO HLDG INC
  • EP4011694B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4011694B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4011694B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a seat frame with reduced weight due to not including a cushion side frame, the seat frame comprising: a pair of rails; a cushion frame which supports a cushion and has a closed cross-sectional shape; front links which connect the rails to the cushion frame on the front side; rear links which connect the rails to the cushion frame on the rear side; and connection brackets which connect the rear links to a seatback frame.