Seatback Displaceable Panels for Expandable Seating and Flat Load Floor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seating assemblies lack the ability to efficiently provide additional seating space while maintaining occupant comfort and cargo storage capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly with pivotably coupled displaceable panels and displacement limiters that move between stored and deployed positions in response to a force exerted on the seatback, forming a flat load floor when folded, utilizing a frame with horizontal and vertical members and biasing members to return panels to their stored position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If displaceable panels are added to provide additional seating space, then seating comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is divided into multiple displaceable panels (first displaceable panel, second displaceable panel) that can independently move between stored and deployed positions. Each panel is separately coupled to the frame members and can be individually controlled, allowing selective deployment to create additional seating space while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are made dynamically movable between fixed positions rather than being static. The pivotable coupling mechanism allows each panel to transition smoothly between stored and deployed positions, providing adaptable seating configuration that responds to user needs while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If displaceable panels are made movable to provide additional seating space, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential noise and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple panels are merged into a coordinated system where the first and second displaceable panels work together with the frame members to form an integrated seating structure. When deployed, they create a unified additional seating surface, and when stored, they maintain a compact configuration that minimizes movement-related noise and vibration
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement limiters are pre-configured with biasing members that provide cushioning force before the panels reach their deployment or storage limits. This beforehand cushioning prevents hard impacts and reduces vibration during panel movement, while the limiters themselves act as mechanical stops that prevent excessive travel and associated noise
3Reliability
If displacement limiters with biasing members are added to control panel movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing members are integrated into the displacement limiters to provide automatic self-regulating movement control. The biasing members generate restoring force that automatically returns panels to their neutral position and cushions their movement, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems while ensuring reliable, controlled panel operation
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
The solution provides increased seating space for occupants and a flat load floor for cargo storage when needed, enhancing comfort and functionality by allowing panels to move from stored to deployed positions and back, while minimizing noise and vibration.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of biasing members are coupled to the pair of displacement limiters and are configured to return the adjacent displaceable panels to the stored position from the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a seatback. The seatback includes a frame that has opposing first and second frame members and first and second displaceable panels that are pivotably coupled to the first and second frame members. The first and second displaceable panels are movable between stored positions and deployed positions in response to a force exerted on the seatback.