Vehicle Seat Linkage Folding for Space-Saving Cargo Reconfiguration

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seats do not efficiently utilize space, especially in multipurpose vehicles, where they need to adapt to different uses such as transporting both occupants and items.

Innovation Solution

A seat design with a base frame, cushion frame, back frame, and multiple rotatable links that allow the cushion and back frames to switch between horizontal and vertical orientations, minimizing space occupation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the seat is designed in a fixed horizontal orientation to support occupants, then seating comfort and stability are improved, but space utilization deteriorates when cargo transport is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The seat employs a dynamic folding mechanism with multiple links (first cushion link, second cushion link, first back link, second back link) that allow the cushion frame and back frame to transition between horizontal and vertical orientations. This dynamic structure enables the seat to adapt its configuration based on whether occupancy or cargo storage is the primary need, resolving the contradiction between seating stability and space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seat transforms from a two-dimensional horizontal seating surface to a three-dimensional folded structure by utilizing the vertical dimension. When folded, the cushion frame and back frame extend vertically rather than horizontally, effectively reducing the seat's footprint on the vehicle floor while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the seat is designed for multipurpose use with folding capability, then space utilization is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seat structure is segmented into multiple independent links (first cushion link, second cushion link, first back link, second back link) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the complex folding function to be achieved through simple rotational joints at each connection point, making the overall mechanism more manageable and maintainable despite its multifunctional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The folding mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables the seat to fold for cargo transport, provides adjustable seating positions, and maintains structural support during transitions. By designing the mechanism to handle multiple functions simultaneously, the patent reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving multipurpose utility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cushion frame and back frame are connected with multiple rotatable links, then posture changing capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves posture changing capability by varying the angular parameters of the rotatable links rather than changing the physical structure of the components themselves. Each link can rotate to different angles, allowing the seat to assume multiple configurations (horizontal, vertical, intermediate positions) without requiring complex adjustable components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Maximizes space utilization by reducing the footprint of the seat when not in use, allowing for efficient use of vehicle space for both seating and cargo transport.

Implementation Method 1

a first cushion link having a first side rotatably coupled to the cushion frame and a second side rotatably coupled to the base frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260054620A1Seat

Publication Date: 2026.02.26

AI summary

A seat comprises a base frame part, a cushion frame part provided at one side of the base frame part, a back frame part provided at one side of the base frame part and one side of the cushion frame part, a first cushion link having a first side rotatably coupled to the cushion frame part and a second side rotatably coupled to the base frame part, a first back link having a first side rotatably coupled to the back frame part and a second side rotatably coupled to the base frame part, and a connection link having a first side rotatably coupled to the first cushion link and a second side rotatably coupled to the first back link.