Vehicle Seat Leg Support Linkage With Elastic Force Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat leg support devices lack sufficient structural strength and adjustability to accommodate varying body shapes and forces from different occupants, and may be subjected to unintended high forces and user behaviors.
Innovation Solution
A leg support device with pivotally connected linkage components, elastic members, and adjustable telescopic mechanisms, including a motor-driven system to switch between stowed and unfolded states, and accommodate different user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a simple leg support structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the structural strength and reliability are insufficient to accommodate varying forces from different occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The leg support device is divided into multiple linkage components (first link, second link, third link, fourth link) connected by pivot shafts, creating a segmented structure that can distribute and manage forces from different occupants while maintaining controlled movement between stowed and unfolded states
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage components are designed with pivot connections that allow dynamic adjustment of the leg support mechanism between stowed and unfolded states, enabling the structure to adapt to varying forces and user needs while maintaining structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed leg support structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to accommodate varying body shapes and forces from different occupants is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The leg support mechanism uses pivotally connected linkage components that can dynamically adjust between stowed and unfolded states, allowing the structure to adapt to different body shapes, weights, and forces from various occupants while maintaining controlled movement through the elastic member
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member (spring) allows the linkage components to change their relative positions and angles based on the forces applied, enabling the structure to accommodate varying body shapes and forces by adjusting its configuration rather than requiring multiple fixed structures
3Strength
If rigid connections are used in the linkage components, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to release excessive forces and accommodate user behaviors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member (spring) is pre-installed in the linkage components to cushion and absorb excessive forces before they can cause damage, allowing the rigid linkage structure to maintain strength while the elastic member provides a safety mechanism for unintended high forces and user behaviors
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the rigid linkage components, allowing force transmission while providing compliance to accommodate varying user behaviors and release excessive forces, thereby maintaining both structural strength and reliability
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
Enhances structural strength and adjustability, providing reliable support and comfort by releasing excessive forces and accommodating diverse user shapes and behaviors.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is arranged between the pivot shaft and the first link in an abutting manner
Data Source
AI summary
A leg support device for a seat includes a bracket, a leg support mechanism, and two oppositely arranged linkage components. The two linkage components are respectively connected between the bracket and the leg support mechanism, and configured to guide the leg support mechanism to switch between a stowed state and an unfolded state. Each of the linkage components includes a first link and a second link that are pivotally connected by a pivot shaft. The first link is connected to the leg support mechanism and has an elongated hole and an elastic member. The pivot shaft is inserted into the elongated hole in a relatively movable manner, and the elastic member is arranged between the pivot shaft and the first link in an abutting manner. The force acting on the leg support device can be released by the compression deformation of the elastic member.