Vehicle Seat Pivot Axis Above Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Previous vehicle seats require stable and costly connecting elements for the pivot axis located below the seat surface, which increases production costs and complexity, while aiming for a smooth transition between the seat and backrest for enhanced seating comfort.

Innovation Solution

The pivot axis is arranged above the seat surface, with a length ratio from the upper end of the backrest to the pivot axis ranging from 1:1 to 3:1, allowing the backrest to extend to the floor and reducing the need for strong connecting elements, simplifying the structure and using lightweight materials like plastics or fiber-reinforced composites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pivot axis is arranged below the seat surface to achieve smooth transition between seat and backrest, then seating comfort is improved, but the requirement for stable and costly connecting elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating comfortVSAvoidconnecting elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the pivot axis above the seat surface instead of below it. This inversion resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for complex connecting elements below the seat while maintaining smooth upholstery transition through alternative structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the pivot axis from the conventional location below the seat surface and relocates it to an elevated position. This extraction removes the requirement for complex connecting elements in the traditional pivot axis area, simplifying the overall structure while preserving seating comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the pivot axis is arranged below the seat surface to achieve smooth transition, then seating comfort is improved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating comfortVSAvoidproduction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the pivot axis location from below to above the seat surface, the patent eliminates the need for expensive stable connecting elements, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining seating comfort through different structural arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective connecting elements enabled by the elevated pivot axis position, replacing the need for expensive, highly stable connecting elements that would be required in the conventional below-surface arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If the pivot axis is arranged above the seat surface, then the structure is simplified and production costs are reduced, but the backrest must extend to the floor requiring different structural configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidbackrest configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic structural configuration where the backrest extends to the floor to provide support, adapting the overall seat shape to accommodate the elevated pivot axis. This dynamic reconfiguration simplifies the connecting structure while maintaining functional integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dimensional arrangement by extending the backrest to the floor, creating a new structural configuration that accommodates the elevated pivot axis. This dimensional change enables simplified connecting elements while maintaining overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Weight of moving object

If the pivot axis is arranged above the seat surface, then lightweight materials can be used, but the length ratio of backrest sections must be controlled within specific ranges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat weightVSAvoidlength ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the length ratio parameter of backrest sections (first length from upper end to pivot axis, second length from lower end to pivot axis) within specific ranges to enable the use of lightweight materials while maintaining structural integrity and functional performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2708410B1Seat, in particular a vehicle seat, with high pivot axis

Publication Date: 2017.01.18 GRAMMER AG

AI summary

The seat structure (1) has a seat portion (2) that is provided with a seat cushion portion (3). The seat portion is supported towards a bottom surface (4) in a region of a front seat side region (5). A backrest (7) is pivotally connected to the seat portion around a pivotal axis (9). The pivotal axis is extended above a seat surface of the seat portion along a seat width direction (9a).