Vehicle Seatback Pocket With Wireless Charging and Expandable Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Map pockets in vehicles are limited in size and unable to accommodate large or bulky items, making them underutilized despite their repurposed use for storing various objects.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat with a seatback that includes a rear portion with a movable pocket and a wireless charging module between the front and rear portions, allowing for wireless charging of user devices within the pocket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a map pocket is made larger to accommodate bulky items, then the storage capacity is improved, but the structural integrity and fit within the vehicle seat is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pocket movable rather than fixed. The pocket can move between a first position (retracted) and a second position (extended), allowing it to adapt its size and position dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the pocket to provide expanded storage capacity when needed while maintaining proper structural integration with the seat when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the seatback structure into distinct functional zones: a fixed front portion, a movable pocket, and a fixed rear portion. This segmentation allows the pocket to be independently positioned and sized without compromising the overall structural integrity of the seatback assembly.
2Ease of operation
If a pocket is made movable to enhance flexibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket is designed as a movable component that can transition between positions, providing flexibility in terms of both storage capacity and accessibility. The movable nature allows users to adjust the pocket position based on their needs, enhancing ease of operation without requiring complex mechanical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless charging functionality is added to the seat, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the seatback structure: storage (via the movable pocket) and wireless charging (via the charging module). This multi-functionality approach enhances versatility by allowing the seat to serve both storage and charging purposes, while the integration into the existing seat structure minimizes the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless charging module is merged with the seatback structure, combining the charging functionality with the existing storage and support functions of the seat. This integration approach allows the charging capability to be added without creating a separate, complex standalone system.
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 a flexible and convenient way to charge user devices, such as cellular phones or tablets, while allowing for easy viewing and storage, thus enhancing the utility of the vehicle seat.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless charging module disposed between the front portion and the rear portion and configured to wirelessly charge a user device located in the pocket
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seatback coupled to the seat bottom. The seatback includes a front portion configured to oppose a vehicle occupant located on the seat bottom, a rear portion disposed on an opposite side of the seatback than the front portion and including a pocket, and a wireless charging module disposed between the front portion and the rear portion and configured to wirelessly charge a user device located in the pocket.