Vehicle Seat Linkage Reducing Opening Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seat assemblies with pivotable linkages require large openings in the seat surface, compromising the appearance and limiting the cargo area's ability to provide a horizontal load floor surface.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat assembly with a smaller linkage system, featuring a forward leg with an angled slot and a hook pivotally connected to the seat back frame, allowing for a more compact design that maintains a horizontal load surface when folded, with pivotal connections strategically positioned to minimize the size of the openings needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pivotable linkages are used to enable the seat back to fold downward, then the seat back can be pivoted to provide a cargo load floor, but the linkages require large openings in the seat surface which adversely impact the appearance and limit the cargo area
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system is divided into multiple separate components: a first linkage component connecting the seat back frame to the seat cushion frame, and a second linkage component connecting the seat back frame to the vehicle floor. This segmentation allows each component to be smaller and more compact, reducing the overall opening size required in the seat surface while maintaining the folding functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pivotable linkages are used, then the seat back can fold downward, but the linkages are large and cannot truly provide a horizontal load floor surface
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage components are designed with dynamic movement capabilities, including slots that allow linear movement and pivotal connections that enable rotation. This dynamic design allows the seat back to follow a precise folding trajectory that ensures the top surface becomes truly horizontal when folded down, creating an effective load floor surface.
3Area of stationary object
If a smaller linkage system is used to reduce opening size, then aesthetic appeal and cargo space are enhanced, but the linkage must be redesigned with strategic pivotal connections to maintain structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with pivotal connections positioned at specific locations and orientations. The slots are angled to convert vertical motion into horizontal movement, and the pivotal connections are strategically placed to distribute loads efficiently across the compact structure, maintaining structural integrity despite the reduced size.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back supported by a seat back frame, a seat cushion supported by a seat cushion frame, a forward leg fixed to a vehicle floor and including a slot that slidingly receives a forward portion of the seat cushion frame, a rear leg fixed to the vehicle floor, the seat back frame is pivotally connected to the rear leg, a rear leg linkage pivotally connected to the rear leg and to a rear portion of the seat cushion frame, and a main linkage pivotally connected to the rear leg linkage and the seat back frame.