Vehicle Seat Pivot Axis Integration for Structure Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle seats with pivotable backrests often have complex structures due to separate attachments of armrests and backrests, which increases production costs and complexity, and the pivot axis is typically located low, affecting seating comfort when the backrest is pivoted.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design where the pivot axis is positioned high, integrating the seat part, backrest, and armrests, with a one-piece seat part frame extending laterally to the pivot axis, and a continuous backrest frame supporting the seat, allowing the armrests to be attached directly to the pivot axis, simplifying the structure and using lightweight, reinforced plastics for the frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pivot axis is arranged low on the seat part, then the transition from seat cushion surface to backrest cushion surface is smooth, but the structure becomes complex and production costs increase due to separate armrest attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the attachment functions for the backrest and armrests into a single pivot axis arrangement. The backrest and armrests are both connected to the seat part through this common pivot axis, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms and reducing structural complexity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot axis serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the rotation axis for the backrest, the attachment point for armrests, and the support element for the entire assembly. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall structure
2Ease of operation
If the pivot axis is arranged low on the seat part, then the transition from seat cushion surface to backrest cushion surface is smooth, but seating comfort deteriorates when the backrest is pivoted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the pivot axis from a low position near the seat cushion surface to a higher position at the level of the armrests. This vertical repositioning in the third dimension allows the backrest to pivot while maintaining a more favorable angle relationship with the seat cushion, improving seating comfort during pivoting motion
3Device complexity
If armrests are attached directly to the backrest, then the structure is simplified, but the armrest height cannot be adjusted and ease of entry/exit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the armrests dynamically adjustable by attaching them to the pivot axis, allowing them to pivot up and down along with the backrest. This dynamic attachment enables the armrests to change position during backrest pivoting, facilitating easier entry and exit while maintaining a simplified single-axis structure
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate attachment components are used for armrests and backrest, then adjustability is maintained, but production costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single pivot axis serves as a universal attachment point for both the backrest and armrests. This universal component replaces multiple separate attachment mechanisms, reducing production costs and manufacturing complexity while preserving the adjustability of both backrest and armrest positions through the same pivot mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The seat i.e. vehicle seat (1), has a seat part (2) including a seat part cushion (3), and supported against a body bottom surface (4) in a region of a seat front side (5). A backrest (7) is pivotably connected with the seat part by a pivot axis (9). The seat part, the backrest, and armrests (10a, 10b) are connected together by the axis. The axis is extendingly arranged above a seat surface and a rear region (14) of the seat part in a seat width direction (9a). A seat part frame, a backrest frame, and an armrest frame are integrally formed from plastic with or without fiber reinforcement.