Vehicle Seatback Linkage for Flat-Fold Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reclining devices in vehicle seats create a step between the seatback and seat cushion when fully unfolded, causing discomfort to occupants and limiting interior space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A dual-link-unit structure is employed to increase the seatback adjustment range, utilizing an upper and lower link part with slide links and a joint part to rotate the seatback forward or backward without interference, and optionally with a driving unit for automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional single-link reclining device is used to adjust the seatback angle, then the structure is simple, but a step is formed between the seatback and seat cushion when fully unfolded causing discomfort and limiting adjustment range
Solution Approach 1:
The single-link structure is divided into two separate link parts: an upper link part connecting the seatback to the seat cushion, and a lower link part connecting the seatback to the floor. This segmentation allows each link to independently control different aspects of seatback movement, enabling a larger adjustment range while maintaining structural manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-link structure introduces an additional degree of freedom by adding the lower link part that connects to the floor rather than just the seat cushion. This creates a two-dimensional movement space for the seatback, allowing it to rotate and tilt in multiple directions simultaneously, thus expanding the adjustment range beyond what a single link could achieve.
2Area of stationary object
If the seatback is fully unfolded to maximize interior space, then space utilization is improved, but a step between seatback and seat cushion is created causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-link structure enables dynamic adjustment of the seatback position and angle. When fully unfolded, the upper and lower link parts can be positioned to allow the seatback to extend horizontally while maintaining a reduced step height relative to the seat cushion, thus maximizing interior space while minimizing discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the link structure, specifically the lengths and connection points of the upper and lower link parts. By optimizing these parameters, the seatback can achieve a fully unfolded position that maximizes interior space while controlling the step height to an acceptable level for occupant comfort.
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
Enhances occupant comfort by reducing the step between the seat cushion and seatback and maximizes interior space by allowing full unfolding or folding of the seatback.
Implementation Method 1
the seatback unit is rotated forward or backward by rotation of the upper link part and the lower link part
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for adjusting an angle of a seatback for vehicles. The device includes a seat cushion unit including a locking part, a seatback unit rotatably connected to the seat cushion unit, and a link unit connecting the seat cushion unit to the seatback unit. The link unit includes an upper link part including an end fixed to the seat cushion unit to function as a rotation center axis and another end inserted into a back slot portion formed in the seatback unit, a lower link part including an end fixed to the seatback unit and another end inserted into a cushion slot portion formed in the seat cushion unit to be engaged with the locking part, and a joint part to which the upper and lower link parts are coupled. The seatback unit is rotated forward or backward by rotation of the upper and lower link parts.