Vehicle Seat Vertical Pivoting Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats lack the ability to pivot effectively about a vertical axis, limiting passenger interaction and comfort, especially in autonomous driving scenarios where varied seat orientations are desired without compromising safety and noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with a pivoting assembly featuring a hinge mechanism that allows rotation about a vertical axis, incorporating a hypocycloid or discontinuous type mechanism with a drive shaft centered on the main axis, and an annular guide device with rolling elements to counteract tilting forces, ensuring compactness and crash resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge mechanism is designed to allow rotation about a vertical axis with at least 90° angular deflection, then the pivoting capability and adaptability of the seat is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a first ring gear integrated with one element (base or rotating ring), and a second part with a toothed sector integrated with the other element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve the required 90°+ rotation range through controlled engagement and disengagement of the toothed sector with the ring gear.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism transitions from a static locked position (toothed sector engaged with ring gear) to a dynamic rotating position (toothed sector disengaged from ring gear), enabling controlled pivoting motion. The mechanism allows the seat to be held in multiple angular positions during rotation, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining stability at each position.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rolling elements are positioned at a distance from the main axis to counteract tilting forces, then the stability and crash resistance is improved, but the device complexity and noise generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling elements are positioned at a distance R5 from the main axis Z1, creating an intentional offset that generates a counterbalancing moment to offset tilting forces during rotation. This deliberate asymmetry converts what would normally be a source of instability (offset rolling elements) into a beneficial force that actively counteracts tilting, improving crash resistance while maintaining operational smoothness and reducing noise.
3Ease of manufacture
If the hinge mechanism is made compact with diameter less than 120 mm and height less than 100 mm, then the space efficiency and ease of manufacture is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first ring gear is integrated directly with one of the main elements (base or rotating ring) rather than being a separate component, and the toothed sector is integrated with the other element. This merging reduces the total number of parts and eliminates the need for additional fastening hardware, achieving compact dimensions (diameter <120mm, height <100mm) while simplifying the manufacturing process through fewer assembly steps and reduced tolerance accumulation across multiple interfaces.
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
Enables passengers to adjust seat orientation by at least 90°, maintaining safety and reducing noise, while allowing for varied seating configurations without compromising crash resistance or increasing noise and play.
Implementation Method 1
an annular guide device with a plurality of rolling elements (5) interposed between the base and the rotating ring and located at a distance (R5) from the main axis. The rolling elements, farther from the axis than the hinge mechanism, thus provide a significant lever arm to counteract tilting forces exerted on the seat
Implementation Method 2
a hinge mechanism allowing rotation, about a vertical main axis (Z1), of the rotating ring (2) relative to the base (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat having a pivoting function about a vertical axis, the seat comprising a pivoting assembly) with a base, a rotating ring mounted on the base by means of a hinge mechanism interposed between the base and the rotating ring, a seating portion frame connected to the rotating ring, directly or via a raising mechanism and/or longitudinal rails, the hinge mechanism allowing rotation, about a vertical main axis, of the rotating ring relative to the base and blocking any substantial movement in the other degrees of freedom, namely the other two rotations and the three translations in an orthogonal reference system.