Vehicle Seat Rotation Linkage for Rear-Facing and Full-Bed Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat technologies face limitations in implementing rear-facing and full-bed modes within limited package spaces, while also being cost and weight efficient.

Innovation Solution

A rotation mechanism, including a four-bar linkage with a leg bracket, seat frame, front link, rear link, rotation link, and connection link, allows the backrest to rotate within a preset angle range, enabling rear-facing and full-bed modes without requiring additional space or components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a swivel seat structure with center rail and side guides is used to enable rear-facing mode, then the seat can rotate, but the package space is increased due to interference with the rotation trajectory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverear-facing capabilityVSAvoidpackage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation mechanism is divided into multiple independent links (front link, rear link, rotation link, connection link) that work together through a four-bar linkage system. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while collectively achieving the rotation within a compact space, resolving the contradiction between rotation capability and package space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a structure to slide a cushion rearward is used, then the cushion can move, but sliding is only possible when there is enough space behind the seat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecushion slidingVSAvoidspace behind seat

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion is made dynamically movable through the four-bar linkage mechanism, which converts rotational motion into linear sliding motion. This dynamic system allows the cushion to slide rearward without requiring fixed space behind the seat, as the sliding capability is generated through the mechanical linkage rather than pre-existing space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing rotation mechanisms are used to implement rear-facing mode, then the seat can rotate, but the cost and weight are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidmechanism weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The four-bar linkage mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables rotation of the backrest, provides structural support, defines the rotation angle range, and integrates with the seat frame and leg bracket. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing overall weight and cost while maintaining rotation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250187502A1Rotation mechanism and seat including the same

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A seat for a vehicle can include a seat rest, a backrest rotatable with respect to the seat rest, and a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the backrest with respect to the seat rest, wherein, by the rotation mechanism, the backrest is configured to be rotatable in a first direction within a preset angle range and be rotatable in a second direction within the angle range, where the first direction may be opposite the second direction.