Vehicle Seat Leg Support Pivoting Mechanism Impact Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occupant supports in vehicles lack a practical and efficient mechanism for supporting and adjusting leg positions, particularly during extended configurations and impact events.
Innovation Solution
A leg support system integrated with a seat bottom, featuring a drive motor, first rotation drive, and a support unit that pivots about a lateral axis between extended and stored configurations, along with a length-adjustment unit, allowing for customizable leg support and resistance during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a leg support mechanism is added to the vehicle seat, then occupant comfort and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg support mechanism is integrated with the existing seat bottom structure, combining the leg support function with the seat assembly. The support unit connects to the seat bottom and utilizes the seat's structural framework, merging multiple functions into a unified system rather than adding a completely separate mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg support mechanism serves multiple functions: it supports the occupant's leg in extended positions, provides resistance during impact events, and can be adjusted to different configurations. The same structural components handle both comfort support and safety resistance functions, eliminating the need for separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the leg support is made adjustable between extended and stored configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg support mechanism transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one capable of moving between extended and stored configurations. The support unit pivots about a lateral axis, allowing the mechanism to adapt its position based on occupancy conditions and impact scenarios, providing versatility without requiring multiple separate components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the leg support provides resistance during impacts without continuous power, then energy efficiency is improved, but the force resistance capability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The leg support mechanism uses passive mechanical resistance during impact events without requiring continuous power supply. The mechanism's own structural properties and mechanical design provide the necessary resistance force, allowing it to serve itself during safety-critical moments without external energy input.
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant support may include a seat bottom and a seat back coupled to the seat bottom. In some embodiments, a leg support is coupled to the seat bottom and configured to support an occupant's leg when in an extended position,