Vehicle Seat Support Assembly for Flat Load Floor Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seating assemblies lack efficient mechanisms to transition between different seating functions, such as accommodating both passenger comfort and cargo storage, as they often require complex and cumbersome adjustments to move between upright and folded positions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly with a support assembly that includes an extension member and a plate, coupled to a seat frame, which moves between elevated and flattened positions in response to an actuation force, featuring an adjustment mechanism with rotating members and stop members to facilitate smooth transitions and optimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the support assembly uses a complex adjustment mechanism to enable smooth transitions between positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into distinct functional components: extension members for support, a plate for positioning, and adjustment mechanisms with stop members for control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling smooth transitions without requiring an overly complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly incorporates movable components including rotatable extension members and adjustable plates that can dynamically change position. The adjustment mechanisms allow the assembly to transition between elevated and flattened positions, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through controlled movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support assembly is designed to move between elevated and flattened positions for versatility, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly serves multiple functions through its movable design: it provides elevated support during normal seating operation and transitions to a flattened position for cargo storage or other alternate uses. This multi-functionality is achieved through the coordinated action of extension members, plates, and adjustment mechanisms rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly transitions between static elevated positions and a dynamic flattened position, allowing the same structure to adapt to different operational requirements. The rotatable and adjustable components enable this positional change while maintaining structural integrity in both states.
3Measurement precision
If the support assembly includes multiple coupled components for precise positioning, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into discrete adjustable components including the plate with its adjustment mechanism and stop members. Each component contributes to the overall positioning accuracy, allowing precise control of the support assembly position without requiring a single complex positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism includes stop members that provide defined positioning limits. These stop members ensure the assembly reaches precise positions during adjustment while allowing the mechanism to traverse a controlled range of motion, achieving accurate positioning without excessive complexity.
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 seamless conversion between comfortable seating and cargo storage by allowing the support assembly to flatten, creating a flat load floor when needed, while maintaining comfort and support during upright use, thus enhancing versatility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an extension member having a first end fixedly coupled to the seat frame and a second end rotatably coupled to the seat frame
Implementation Method 2
a plate having a first side rotatably coupled to the seat frame and a second side slidably coupled to the seat frame
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a seatback and a seat that includes a seat frame and a support assembly. The support assembly is coupled to the seat frame and movable between an elevated position and a flattened position in response to an actuation force applied on the support assembly. The support assembly includes an extension member having a first end fixedly coupled to the seat frame and a second end rotatably coupled to the seat frame, and a plate having a first side rotatably coupled to the seat frame and a second side slidably coupled to the seat frame.