Vehicle Seat Width Reduction via Inclined Coupling Bolt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats have a larger width dimension due to the protrusion of the coupling bolt from the side frame, which is not ideal for compact designs.
Innovation Solution
The coupling bolt is positioned below the side frame, and its central axis is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, with a restrictor on the belt anchor bracket to prevent rotation and further reduce the width dimension by positioning the bolt inside the side frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling bolt is positioned at the vertical-direction center of the side frame and projects outward, then the coupling bolt can effectively connect the belt anchor bracket and belt stay, but the vehicle seat width dimension becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling bolt is repositioned from the vertical-center horizontal orientation to a below-the-side-frame inclined orientation. This dimensional change allows the bolt to achieve effective coupling while projecting inward rather than outward, thus reducing the vehicle seat width dimension without compromising coupling reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the coupling bolt project outward from the side frame as in conventional designs, this invention inverts the arrangement by positioning the bolt below the side frame with its central axis inclined, causing it to project inward toward the seat-width-direction inside, thereby reducing overall width
2Length of moving object
If the coupling bolt central axis is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, then the vehicle seat width dimension is reduced, but the coupling geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The belt anchor bracket is designed with localized structural features including a restrictor and specifically positioned through holes that accommodate the inclined coupling bolt. This local quality enhancement at the coupling point enables the inclined geometry to function effectively without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire seat structure
3Stability of the object's composition
If the restrictor is provided outside the sector-shaped region, then the belt stay rotation is effectively restricted, but the belt anchor bracket structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The belt anchor bracket is segmented into functional zones: the restrictor positioned outside the sector-shaped region to prevent rotation, and the through holes positioned within specific angular ranges to provide mounting flexibility. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, achieving rotation restriction without requiring the entire structure to be complex
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is one example of a vehicle seat in which a dimension thereof in its width direction can be smaller. The vehicle seat includes: a side frame extending in seat front-rear directions; a belt anchor bracket at least part of which is positioned below the side frame; a belt stay at least part of which is positioned below the side frame; and a coupling bolt that couples the belt anchor bracket and the belt stay to each other at a position below the side frame, the coupling bolt passing through a first member, which is one of the belt anchor bracket and the belt stay, and reaching a second member, which is the other of the belt anchor bracket and the belt stay.