Seat Transformation Bracket for Four-Bar Linkage Movement Conversion
Solution Overview
Problem
Current seat assemblies in motor vehicles require separate configurations for two way and four way movement, increasing complexity and costs due to the need for distinct assembly designs.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a four-bar linkage and transformation brackets that allow conversion between four way and two way movement by attaching to side members and rear links, using bolts and raised portions to restrict motion, forming a unified assembly for both configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate assembly designs are used for two way and four way movement, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single seat assembly that can function in both two-way and four-way movement configurations. The side member is designed with multiple attachment points and a transformation bracket that can be positioned in different locations, allowing the same assembly to provide either two-way movement (with transformation bracket at first location) or four-way movement (with transformation bracket at second location), eliminating the need for separate assembly designs for each configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate assembly designs are used for two way and four way movement, then specific movement requirements are satisfied, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing costs by creating a universal seat assembly design that can be produced as a single standard product. The side member includes multiple attachment points and a transformation bracket that can be positioned differently to achieve either two-way or four-way movement, allowing manufacturers to produce one assembly type rather than maintaining separate production lines for different movement configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the assembly configuration changeable through the transformation bracket's repositionable attachment mechanism. The bracket can be attached at different locations on the side member depending on the desired movement configuration, allowing the same physical assembly to dynamically adapt its functionality without requiring separate manufactured parts for each configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single assembly design is used for both two way and four way movement, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but motion control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages operational complexity through a straightforward repositioning process. The transformation bracket can be detached and reattached at different locations on the side member using standard fastening mechanisms. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows users to switch between two-way and four-way movement modes by simply moving the bracket position, without requiring complex adjustment procedures or specialized tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes a side member, a front link, a rear link and a rail. The side member, the front link, the rear link and the rail form a four-bar linkage with four way movement. The seat assembly further includes a transformation bracket that is attached to the first side member and connected to the rear link to convert the seat assembly with four way movement to two way movement.