Fold-Out Seatback Partition Wall for Rear-Seat Personal Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
There are limitations in mounting usability devices for vehicle seats due to space restrictions, particularly in vehicles with two rows of seats, which hinder the provision of a luxurious and comfortable space for rear-seat users.
Innovation Solution
A seat controlling apparatus that unfolds a partition wall from the rear surface of a seatback when the seat is folded, allowing for the division of space and providing a personal space sense by user input, utilizing a driving part, memory, controller, and components like spring hinges, angle adjusting devices, and sensors to manage the unfolding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a partition wall is added to divide space between seats, then personal space sense and comfort are improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is designed as a separable component that can be folded out from the seatback when needed and stored away when not needed. This segmentation allows the space-dividing function to be activated only when required, avoiding permanent occupation of space and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining the ability to provide personal space sense.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall is made dynamic through the folding mechanism, transitioning between a stored state (when not needed) and an deployed state (when needed). This dynamic design allows the same structure to serve different functions at different times, reducing the need for additional permanent structures and lowering overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If usability devices are mounted in vehicles with two rows of seats, then user comfort is improved, but space restrictions prevent adequate mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is nested within the seatback structure, utilizing the existing seatback space for storage. When not in use, the partition wall is folded into the seatback, effectively nesting it within the existing vehicle structure. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated mounting space while maintaining the ability to provide user comfort when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall utilizes the depth dimension of the seatback structure rather than occupying lateral or vertical space. By folding out from the rear surface of the seatback in the depth direction, the partition wall creates space division without encroaching on the limited lateral space between seats or the vertical headroom, effectively using an underutilized dimension.
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 apparatus enhances user comfort by creating a luxurious and cozy space for rear-seat occupants by selectively unfolding a partition wall, ensuring smooth operation through controlled unfolding and folding mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring hinge connecting a backrest of the first seat and the partition wall
Data Source
AI summary
A seat controlling apparatus includes a driving part, a memory, and a controller. The seat controlling apparatus may: fold a first seat using the driving part when receiving a folding input for the first seat; determine whether a partition wall adjacent to the first seat satisfies an unfolding condition while the first seat is folded; and unfold the partition wall such that one surface of the partition wall faces a second seat adjacent to the first seat when the partition wall satisfies the unfolding condition.