Vehicle Seat Lower Leg Support With Automatic Recline Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seating assemblies lack an efficient mechanism for automatic deployment of a lower leg support when transitioning from a seated to a reclined-and-raised position, which can compromise user comfort and safety by not adequately adjusting the seating configuration for ergonomic needs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly design that includes a lower leg support directly coupled to the seat, an anchor assembly, and an actuator assembly, allowing for automatic mechanical deployment of the lower leg support when the seat and seatback move to a reclined-and-raised position, increasing the distance between the seat and the support surface, and adjusting the angle between the seat and seatback for enhanced ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lower leg support is manually deployed, then the structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The lower leg support deploys automatically through a mechanical linkage system that converts the motion of reclining the seatback into deployment of the support. The system uses the user's own reclining action to trigger the deployment, eliminating the need for separate manual deployment operations while adding minimal complexity through the linkage mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage is pre-configured so that the lower leg support is positioned and deployed in advance as the seatback begins to recline. The geometry of the linkage ensures that the support reaches its optimal position before the reclining motion completes, providing ergonomic support proactively rather than requiring separate adjustment
2Ease of operation
If the lower leg support is automatically deployed using mechanical linkage, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage system serves multiple functions: it deploys the lower leg support, maintains proper alignment during reclining, and integrates with the existing seat structure. By making the linkage multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving automatic deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment mechanism for the lower leg support is merged with the existing seat reclining mechanism. The linkage uses the same structural elements and motion paths as the seatback reclining system, combining multiple functions into a unified mechanism rather than adding a completely separate deployment system
3Ease of operation
If the seat and seatback are moved to a reclined-and-raised position, then the ergonomic comfort improves, but the stability deteriorates due to increased distance from the support surface
Solution Approach 1:
The lower leg support acts as an intermediary element between the user's lower leg and the vehicle floor. By providing a stable support surface for the lower leg, it compensates for the reduced stability that would otherwise result from the seat being raised away from the floor, maintaining overall system stability while enabling the ergonomic reclined position
4Adaptability or versatility
If the anchor assembly is designed to releasably couple with the support surface, then the adaptability improves for different positions, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor assembly transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic releasable connection that can adapt between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic capability allows the system to accommodate different seating positions and configurations while maintaining reliability through controlled engagement and disengagement mechanisms that prevent accidental release
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 solution provides improved user comfort by automatically deploying the lower leg support, reducing pressure points, and offering a more ergonomic arrangement by adjusting the seating configuration, while maintaining safety by ensuring the seatback is properly aligned with the support surface.
Implementation Method 1
The lower leg support is directly coupled to the support surface in a manner that results in automatic mechanical deployment of the lower leg support when the seat and the seatback are moved toward a reclined-and-raised position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat, a support surface, a seatback and a lower leg support. The seat includes a forward end and a rearward end. The support surface is coupled to the seat. The seatback is rotatably coupled to the seat proximate the rearward end. The lower leg support is directly and rotatably coupled to the seat proximate the forward end. The lower leg support is directly coupled to the support surface in a manner that results in automatic mechanical deployment of the lower leg support when the seat and the seatback are moved toward a reclined-and-raised position.