Adjustable Vehicle Seatback Height for Torso Support Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle seats lack adjustable seatback height, which can lead to inadequate shoulder and lumbar support for individuals with longer or shorter torsos, resulting in discomfort and poor positioning relative to the headrest.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat with a selectively vertically adjustable seatback, comprising a first frame component coupled to the seat base and a second frame component connected to the first frame component, allowing for shifting relative to the seat base through an adjustment mechanism involving gears and adjustment elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If seatback height is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates because individuals with longer or shorter torsos cannot obtain proper shoulder and lumbar support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different torso lengthsVSAvoidcomplexity of seatback adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the seatback height adjustable rather than fixed. The seatback assembly includes a height adjustment mechanism with multiple locking positions that allow the seatback to be dynamically repositioned vertically to accommodate different torso lengths, transforming a static structure into an adaptable one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seatback adjustment mechanism into discrete components including a height adjustment mechanism with multiple locking positions, a tilt mechanism, and frame components. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of height and tilt functions while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to enable vertical seatback adjustment, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical seatback adjustabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the height adjustment and tilt adjustment functions into a single integrated seatback assembly. The height adjustment mechanism is incorporated within the existing tilt mechanism structure, allowing both functions to be controlled through coordinated operation of a single adjustment system rather than requiring completely separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, where the same structural components serve both height adjustment and tilt adjustment purposes. The frame components and locking mechanisms are engineered to facilitate multiple adjustment modes, reducing the need for dedicated separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12240360B2Vertically height adjustable seatback for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A vehicle seat includes a seat base and a selectively vertically adjustable seatback coupled to the seat base. The selectively vertically adjustable seatback including a first frame component coupled to the seat base and a second frame component connected to the first frame component, the second frame component being shiftable relative to the seat base.