Vehicle Seat Hook Assembly Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle occupants face issues with personal items, such as purses, tumbling over or spilling during vehicle acceleration or braking when not securely stored, and existing solutions like after-market hooks are often not user-friendly and detract from vehicle styling.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat hook assembly integrated into the seat back, where a headrest-mounted seat hook moves between retracted and extended positions, using a spring mechanism to securely hold objects like purses, preventing them from tumbling and maintaining a stylish appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If personal items are placed on the seat or floor without securing, then accessibility and ease of use are improved, but the items may tumble over or spill during vehicle motion
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly incorporates a spring mechanism that allows the hook to dynamically adjust between extended and retracted positions. When the headrest is in the extended position, the spring forces the hook into the extended position to provide securing capability. When the headrest is retracted, the hook automatically retracts to avoid obstruction. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing stability when needed and maintaining accessibility when the headrest is down.
2Reliability
If after-market hook devices are installed to secure personal items, then stability during vehicle motion is improved, but user-friendliness and vehicle styling are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly is integrated directly into the vehicle seat structure, specifically combining the hook mechanism with the existing headrest and seat back components. This merging eliminates the need for separate after-market accessories while maintaining the securing function. The hook is positioned within the seat back upholstery and only becomes visible when extended, thus preserving vehicle aesthetics while providing the required stability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides automatic operation of the hook without requiring user intervention. When the headrest position changes, the spring automatically forces the hook between extended and retracted positions based on the headrest state. This self-service mechanism improves user-friendliness by eliminating manual operation while maintaining the stability function.
3Reliability
If the seat hook is always extended to secure items, then stability is improved, but the seat back appearance and space utilization are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is designed to dynamically change position between extended and retracted states based on operational needs. The spring mechanism ensures the hook is extended only when the headrest is in the extended position, providing securing capability when needed. When the headrest is retracted, the hook automatically retracts to maintain aesthetic appearance and maximize space utilization, thus resolving the contradiction between always being extended for stability and maintaining appearance when not in use.
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 seat hook assembly effectively secures personal items, preventing them from spilling or tumbling during vehicle motion while maintaining the vehicle's aesthetic and functional integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The seat hook is bias toward a sprung position wherein the seat hook extends upward away from the seat back when the headrest is in a headrest extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat having a vehicle seat hook assembly for hanging an associated object on the vehicle seat includes a seat back having a front side, a rear side, and an upper distal portion and a headrest moveably secured to the upper distal portion for movement between a headrest retracted position and a headrest extended position. A seat hook is disposed on the seat back and is moveable between a seat hook retracted or collapsed position and a seat hook extended or sprung position. Movement of the headrest from the headrest retracted position to the headrest extended position causes movement of the seat hook from the seat hook retracted position to the seat hook extended position and movement of the headrest from the headrest extended position to the headrest retracted position causes movement of the seat hook from the seat hook extended position to the seat hook retracted position.