Vehicle Seat Cushion Insert Mechanism for Adjustable Thigh Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle seat assemblies lack effective mechanisms for customizable adjustments to enhance occupant comfort and posture, particularly in terms of seat cushion height, which can be restrictive based on individual preferences and activities.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a cushion-insert-adjustment mechanism that includes a support member, pivotably connected links, and a drive member, allowing the central seat cushion to move between raised and lowered positions, thereby adjusting the thigh support according to user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable seat insert mechanism is added to allow cushion height adjustment, then occupant comfort and customization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat cushion is divided into a fixed front portion and a movable central portion that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the central cushion to be moved relative to the bolsters and front cushion, enabling height adjustment without requiring the entire seat assembly to be complex and movable.
Solution Approach 2:
The central portion of the seat cushion is made movable relative to the fixed portions through a mechanism including a support member, pivotable links, and a drive member. This dynamic capability allows the cushion height to be adjusted between raised and lowered positions, providing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity through controlled movement rather than complete flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If the central seat cushion is made movable relative to bolsters and cushions, then thigh support customization is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be operated by the occupant themselves through a drive member that can be actuated manually or electrically. The mechanism supports the central portion for movement and allows the occupant to adjust the cushion height to their preference without requiring external assistance, improving ease of operation while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through self-contained components.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly may include a seatback, a seat bottom and an adjustment mechanism. The seat bottom may include an aft portion adjacent to the seatback, a front portion opposite the aft portion, and a central portion disposed between the front and aft ends. The adjustment mechanism may support the central portion for movement relative to the front portion between first and second positions.